RESIGNITIONS and differences that rocked the Zambia Rugby Union (ZRU) should not disturb the game some people say is ‘a rough game played by smart men’, even women play it now.
Much as such developments may affect the running of the game, there, surely must be other men and women with the passion for rugby who should carry on the mantle.
It is, however, good news that interim ZRU leadership has already indicated willingness to carry on preparations for the Confederation of  African Rugby (CAR) 2015 Africa Cup Group 1C tournament.
Interim president John Chibuye said in an interview yesterday that the union will continue with the preparations and hand over to the in-coming leadership.
Those who have keenly followed events unfolding in the ZRU remember that some officials resigned in succession and that a few weeks later, the CAR awarded ZRU right to host Africa Cup Group 1C.
Obviously, like many would imagine, hosting such a tournament not only builds profile of the local rugby body, but would also popularise the game.
Reports of resignations and differences at a time like this one, therefore, could cause concerns that it was wrong timing for in-fighting.
Like the old saying; ‘When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers’, in this case, as the ZRU leadership show signs of disunity, the game of rugby ends up being affected.
CAR recently requested ZRU to host the 2015 CAR Africa Cup Group 1C through a letter sent to then ZRU president Martin Musunka.
In that letter, CAR president Abdelaziz Bougja said the new 2015 format of Group C competitions will involve four nations which include Zambia.
Bougja said CAR executive committee was in the process of planning various rugby activities and competitions for 2015 and has requested Zambia to host the 2015 Africa Cup 1C in June.
ZRU will be expected to take care of all aspects concerning hosting of the tournament, from accommodation on a full board basis for the four teams and local transport, on-field competition costs, media and communication expenses and a closing function.
Unless the interim ZRU remains focused, it would surely be difficult for them to fulfil the above responsibilities.
With the 15s Africa Cup proposed tournament dates being June, 21 to 28 2015, and match days running from June 23 to 27, 2015, time is now for ZRU to remain resolute to plan ahead.
There is need for a local organising committee to be put in place to set required logistics for the tournament together and ensure a resounding success.
Among the requirements of the host nation, are that ZRU is expected to appoint tournament staff subject to the approval of CAR.
It is, therefore a prudent move for Chibuye to vow that preparations will continue, not only as a way of fulfilling fixtures, but a move to save rugby as well.
*Your regular writer of this column in whose position I temporarily stood returns next week, it’s been a pleasure sporting with you.