4 December 2007: Oscar Nduwimana, President of the Burundi, has written to www.carugby.com suggesting CAR should abandon the African Leopards.
“The idea is good,” Nduwimana states, “but if Africa does not have sufficient funds for that dream and the IRB is not recognising the team, my opinion is that we must accept reality and encourage African countries to make strong national teams and then ask the IRB to allow more participating countries in the RWC.”
The search for a team sponsor in 2008 has continued this week, with the Leopards sponsorship proposal under serious consideration by two major companies, one in Nigeria and another in South Africa.
E-mails have been sent to Mike Miller, CEO of the International Rugby Board, and Mark Egan, Development manager at the IRB, but neither has afforded www.carugby.com the courtesy of a reply.
This is particularly odd since it was the selfsame Mr Miller, who stood at the African Cup final in 2005 and pledged his personal support to the African Leopards. “Do you think they would be available to play in our new competition for A teams?” he asked.
Notwithstanding the view from Burundi and the cold shoulder from Dublin, the struggle for the African Leopards continues.
To express your view, write to info@carugby.com.