ZIM Varsity Rugby is embarking on a charm offensive by taking the game to the people, with an extravaganza slated for Zvishavane on Saturday, as they prepare to start a national rugby league next year.

The game has largely been viewed as an elite sport and Zim Varsity Rugby is pulling all stops for it to reach the people by launching a national league.

Tertiary institutions and professional rugby clubs are expected to take part in Saturday’s Varsity Rugby Challenge in Zvishavane.

The challenge was launched in October last year in Chinhoyi and the second edition was held in Bulawayo in March this year.

Other tournaments are set for Gweru and Mutare later this month where clubs from Zambia and Botswana are expected to take part.

Tournament director Francorn Mutare said these tournaments are a precursor for a national league that will be established next year.

“We are starting a league next year, but for a start we are mooting a plan of a western and eastern league so as not to burden teams with travelling expenses. These tournaments are meant to check on the preparedness of colleges for them to participate in the league,” said Mutare.

“For this tournament, four tertiary institutions and four clubs have already confirmed their participation.

“The next tournament, which is supposed to be in Gweru, clubs from Zambia and Botswana have been invited to make it more competitive and expose players to competition from other countries.

“We, however, still have a big challenge in that some sports directors at tertiary institutions are not giving their rugby teams necessary support,” Mutare said.