12 November 2006; The national team of Niger has qualified for the finals of the CASTEL Trophy after winning their semi-final against Nigeria by default. According to reports from West Africa, the Nigerians failed to make the trip to Niamey. The Niger are now scheduled to play the winners of the Southern semi-final, Tanzania, in the final of what is considered to be the second division championship of Africa. The date of the match which will be played at a neutral venue has been set for 28 November but this has to be confirmed by the Confederation of African Rugby.
Confusion reigns over the circumstances surrounding the semi-final but according to newspaper reports, the Nigerians withdrew from the match citing the unavailability of some of their players who have obligations to their clubs in England, Scotland, Ireland and Australia. Tanzania reached the finals winning the Southern Semi-Final against Reunion by 11 points to 10 in Arusha on October 21.
Report by David van der Sandt
rugby-africa@intekom.co.za