SRC Suspends Remaining Zimbabwe Rugby Union Executives

SRC Suspends Remaining Zimbabwe Rugby Union Executives Over Governance Failures

The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has suspended the remaining members of the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) National Executive Board and National Executive Committee.

The officials have been barred from all rugby-related administration and activities in the country, including holding office within the union.

In a statement issued this week, the SRC explained that the move followed a resolution passed by its Board of Commissioners on 9 September 2025.

“The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) wishes to advise the public and rugby stakeholders that the remaining members of the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) National Executive Board and the National Executive Committee have been suspended from all forms of rugby administration and activities in Zimbabwe including but not limited to holding office under the Zimbabwe Rugby Union,” the SRC said.

Legal Grounds for Suspension

The commission said the suspension was made under section 30 of the Sports and Recreation Commission Act (Chapter 25:15) and would remain in effect until the next ZRU elections.

According to the SRC, the ZRU, a registered National Association, had failed to comply with section 29(8)(b) of the Act. A show cause order had been issued on 4 September 2025, leading to the resignation of eight board members. However, the remaining officials did not submit representations, prompting the commission to invoke its statutory powers.

Growing Pressure on ZRU Leadership

The suspension comes just a week after the SRC directed the ZRU executive board and committee to resign, citing governance failures that had damaged the reputation of rugby in Zimbabwe.

In a letter to ZRU Chief Executive Officer Sifiso Made, the commission had given the officials until 5 September to step down. When the deadline passed without full compliance, the SRC threatened to take action under section 30 of the Act.

Next Steps for Zimbabwe Rugby

The SRC has promised to guide the sport into a new chapter, saying it will announce the “strategic direction of the Zimbabwe Rugby Union” in due course.