African Leopards need help
AFRICAN leopards are a pan african team made up of the best ruggers on the continent. They were formed in 2005 to bridge the gap between amateur African sides and the very best in the world.<br>One of the concepts was to show the world the very best in Africa could mix it up with the best in the wo
AFRICAN leopards are a pan african team made up of the best ruggers on the continent. They were formed in 2005 to bridge the gap between amateur African sides and the very best in the world.
One of the concepts was to show the world the very best in Africa could mix it up with the best in the world.
The first test was a stutter as the Leopards lost to SA students at Ellis Park, but then bounced back with convincing victories against well drilled professional sides like the British Army and France U20.
No Sponsor
As a touring force similar to the Pacific Islands, the tour invitations were coming in thick and fast from Japan to South America.
Unfortunately, the Leopards met their worst enemy yet when ABSA their sponsor pulled out. With no sponsor, the second blow came with Irb refusing to recognise the African Leopards team.
Mark Egan an Irb representative said:
“Our plan for Africa is focused on developing national teams to a point where they can compete in a Rugby World Cup. The African Leopards does not form part of that plan, and the team was not our idea.â€
This paradox of a statement coming from the same Irb that has the audacity to discuss reducing the number of teams participating in the World Cup from 20 to 16.
Africa Ignored
What exactly are Irb’s development strategies for the 3rd tier nations like those in Africa? Again the Irb continues to show signs of being an exclusive body. In one instant touring franchises like Barbarians from established nations are supported but the Leopards are ignored.
CAR to their credit have not given up and have released a 2008 African Leopards tour programme. Any willing sponsors should contact Mr. Edward Griffiths on
contact@carugby.com
One of the concepts was to show the world the very best in Africa could mix it up with the best in the world.
The first test was a stutter as the Leopards lost to SA students at Ellis Park, but then bounced back with convincing victories against well drilled professional sides like the British Army and France U20.
No Sponsor
As a touring force similar to the Pacific Islands, the tour invitations were coming in thick and fast from Japan to South America.
Unfortunately, the Leopards met their worst enemy yet when ABSA their sponsor pulled out. With no sponsor, the second blow came with Irb refusing to recognise the African Leopards team.
Mark Egan an Irb representative said:
“Our plan for Africa is focused on developing national teams to a point where they can compete in a Rugby World Cup. The African Leopards does not form part of that plan, and the team was not our idea.â€
This paradox of a statement coming from the same Irb that has the audacity to discuss reducing the number of teams participating in the World Cup from 20 to 16.
Africa Ignored
What exactly are Irb’s development strategies for the 3rd tier nations like those in Africa? Again the Irb continues to show signs of being an exclusive body. In one instant touring franchises like Barbarians from established nations are supported but the Leopards are ignored.
CAR to their credit have not given up and have released a 2008 African Leopards tour programme. Any willing sponsors should contact Mr. Edward Griffiths on
contact@carugby.com