BREAKING: Dr Tapfuma Parirenyatwa Resigns as Acting President of Zimbabwe Rugby Union, Cites Integrity and Family Commitments
Dr Tapfuma Parirenyatwa has officially stepped down as Acting President of the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU), in a move that is shaking the local sports administration landscape. His resignation letter, dated 31st July 2025, cites the need to prioritise personal business obligations and family time over the escalating demands of the presidency.
The announcement has triggered national debate over the internal disarray within Zimbabwean rugby governance, with respected public figures applauding Parirenyatwa’s principled exit.
Key Takeaways:
“Because of where my career currently stands, I need to focus more on developing my businesses and on time with my family,” reads part of Parirenyatwa’s resignation letter. “This, therefore, means I will no longer be able to give this crucial role the attention and dedication that it requires and deserves.”
The former ZRU head reflected on the union’s achievements during his tenure, including the Sables’ recent historic win in Uganda, which he said brought international visibility back to Zimbabwean rugby. He affirmed that it was the “ideal time” for new leadership to take over and maintain the momentum.
In a strong gesture of institutional responsibility, Parirenyatwa also announced that he would be dissolving the Zimbabwe Rugby Trust, opening the door for a new team to be selected by the incoming President.
The resignation drew praise from influential political figure and sports advocate Temba Mliswa, who posted:
“Nyati, you have made a commendable decision, demonstrating commitment to the integrity of rugby… To remain affiliated with an organization plagued by such disarray would undoubtedly tarnish your reputation.”
Mliswa’s statement suggests deeper issues within the ZRU, hinting at underlying governance problems that may have contributed to Parirenyatwa’s decision.
With this departure, the ZRU is now
