Twigas, the national rugby team, has withdrawn from the upcoming Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) championship that kicks off on Monday in Botswana. Tanzania Rugby Union (TRU) president John Kraft said yesterday the association failed to secure sponsorship, which would enable them to send the team to Gaborone.

"We tried to convince several corporate firms to support us, but all our efforts proved futile, therefore we'll miss out this high profile event," Kraft said. The Twigas have been regular participants in championship for the last six years and managed to host the tournament in 2007. Madagascar are the reigning champions of the coveted tournament. Mauritius hosted the last season's event before the organising committee decided to give Botswana rights to host it.

Countries whose teams would feature include; Zimbabwe, Zambia, Reunion Islands, Madagascar, Mauritius and hosts Botswana. The Twigas participated successfully at the recently ended Tusker Safari Seven, which took place in Nairobi, Kenya.

The event saw Collins Injera notching up four tries as Kenya retained the title, turning in a masterful display in their 40-19 demolition of the South Africa's Emerging Boks in the final. Ends