ZERO TOLERANCE TOWARDS VIOLENCE
Statement to All Rugby Stakeholders: Referees, Players, Parents, Schools & Clubs
STATEMENT FROM THE ZIMBABWE RUGBY UNION
The Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) has been formally notified of an incident that occurred between a parent and a referee on 13 June 2026 at Eaglesvale School during the match between Christian Brothers College (CBC) and Eaglesvale School.
The Zimbabwe Rugby Union condemns any acts of violence in the strongest possible terms. Our match officials are the backbone of this sport. Any act of intimidation, abuse or violence against them is an attack on the integrity of rugby itself and will be treated accordingly.
The ZRU reaffirms its absolute and unwavering zero-tolerance policy on violence, intimidation and abuse directed at any match official, player, coach or spectator. This policy applies at every level of the game, from school fixtures to national competitions.
The conduct witnessed on 13 June 2026 is entirely unacceptable and contrary to the values of rugby: Respect, Discipline, Passion, Integrity and Solidarity.
The ZRU’s disciplinary structures will convene to consider the appropriate sanctions, which may be applied to individuals and/or institutions found to have been responsible after all investigations have been completed
To every referee serving this game across Zimbabwe:
You are valued. You are protected. You will not be abandoned.
The ZRU and the Zimbabwe Rugby Referees Society are united in ensuring that you can perform your duties in a safe environment. Any incident of abuse or assault must be reported immediately through your Provincial Referees Society. We commit to standing behind you in every such case through disciplinary processes, legal proceedings and ongoing support.
No official should ever feel alone in facing violent or abusive behaviour. We are here. Report it. We will act.
To every rugby player in Zimbabwe at school, club and national level:
Rugby is built on respect. Respect for your teammates. Respect for your opponents. And above all, respect for the officials who give their time so that you can play. The decisions of match officials must be accepted on the field. Disputing a call, confronting a referee or encouraging or failing to discourage spectator misconduct are all contrary to the spirit of rugby and may result in disciplinary action against you and your team.
We call on every player to uphold the values of this game and to speak up when they witness abusive behaviour. Your voice matters in protecting this sport.
To every parent, guardian and supporter who comes to watch rugby in Zimbabwe:
Your children look up to you. The way you behave on the touchline is the lesson they take home. Referees are qualified officials who apply the laws of the game to the best of their ability. They will make calls that you disagree with. That is a normal part of sport. What is never acceptable is verbal abuse, intimidation, encroachment onto the field of play or any form of physical contact or threat directed at a match official or player.
We ask parents and supporters to abide by the ZRU Spectator Code of Conduct at all events. Schools and clubs are required to enforce these standards at all their fixtures.
Zimbabwe Rugby has built a proud tradition over decades. Our referees, our players and our communities have sacrificed and contributed enormously to this game. We will not allow the actions of individuals to undermine what so many have worked to build.
Rugby is for everyone. But only when everyone plays by the rules on and off the field.
Issued by,
Takunda Chifokoyo
General Manager
Zimbabwe Rugby Union