In what is seen as one of the biggest tries in local rugby, Shubra Investment (Pvt) Limited, has been appointed as the official distributor of all Rhino Rugby sporting products.

Owned by Sables and former Cheetahs backliner Cleopas Makotose’s, the company signed a three year deal with Rhino Rugby South Africa and will be responsible for distributing sporting equipment in Southern and Eastern Africa.

Makotose feels the deal will help develop talent in rugby and other sporting codes.

“Africa had fallen behind mainly because players didn’t have the correct training environment. Rhino Rugby has brought life again to African sports with this opportunity.

“For someone who has devoted his life to rugby and sport all my life, this opportunity really gets me excited with the possibility to see our levels of competitiveness being raised in sport,” said the Old Hararians centre.

Rhino Rugby is also the official supplier to England and Wales, USA, Hong Kong, Japan and in now the official supplier of the South African Rugby Union.

“It is a privilege and honour for me to be offered such an opportunity to work with such a leading brand in rugby and team wear. Zimbabwe and other countries can benefit from this product which puts the player first for a better future,” added Makotose.

Rhino Rugby (SA) director, Albert Pestana, who signed the deal in Harare last weekend, said: “I am impressed to see that the standard and quality of Zimbabwe’s players is very good and there is room for potential to develop the sport”

“Zimbabwe has natural, raw talent to be able to compete very favourably at Sevens and XVs”, said Pestana after watching the Zimbabwe schools Under-18 and Under-17 trials at Lomagundi College.