Arusha — The national rugby team, Twigas, are expected to play Kenya 'A' in an international trial match at Friedkin Recreational Centre ground in Arusha on June 7 in preparation for the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) Castle Super 16 South tournament in Mauritius.

Tanzania Rugby Union (TRU) vice-president Chris Hatty said in Dar es Salaam yesterday that the association has resorted to securing tough opponents to put Twigas in great shape ahead of the tournament scheduled for next month.

"We are currently focusing on building up the squad before the CAR Castle Super 16 South tournament and a match against Kenya 'A' will be our first trial," he told This Day.

Hatty also said Twigas' Arusha-based players, who mostly play for Arusha Rhinos, would play against themselves at the weekend prior to joining the national team's training camp.

He said Twigas players from Dar es Salaam would travel to Arusha on May 25 to join the rest of the squad.

Twigas would this year be attempting to regain their place among successful rugby squads in the Castle Super 16 South tournament after losing the trophy to Botswana last year.

The squad is however expected to face tough opposition from hosts Mauritius, who won the event held in Arusha in 2005.

Twigas won the tournament in 2006 at the expense of Niger in a final that was held at Friedkin Recreational Centre ground.

Twigas preparation for the tournament has consequently brought the Mainland Rugby Premiership into a halt after a round of two matches.

Dar Leopards got off to an impressive start in the league after commanding a 29-15 win over Arusha Rhinos in the first match held at the Tanzania Cigarette Company (TCC) ground in Dar es Salaam at the end of last month.

Rhinos, nevertheless, rallied back to win 29-3 against the same opponents in the second match held in Arusha a week later.