ZIMBABWE sevens rugby has received a major boost with an invitation to the Dubai and George IRB Sevens in December.

Zimbabwe's Zambezi Cheetahs last played in Dubai in 2003, and although they played in George last year, Dubai is their first major tournament in three years. Zimbabwe earns their invitation on their spirited showing at George last year, the European tour and the Mosi and Tusker tournaments this year.

"That's what we have been working hard for since 2003," Bruce Hobson, the national sevens manager, said. "It is the full benefit of all the work that we have put in. Our potential is increasing all the time."

Hobson, who has also been helping out with the national fifteens side's preparations for the Madagascar tie, said the Sables will benefit as well from the sevens commitments.

In another development, sevens veteran player-coach John Ewing will conduct training sessions every week in Johannesburg with Zimbabwean players based at tertiary institutions in and around the city.