The Hollywoodbets Sharks will have a golden opportunity to make history by becoming the first South African franchise to advance to the EPCR Challenge Cup final when they face Clermont Auvergne in a blockbuster semi-final at the Twickenham Stoop in London on Saturday.

With their Vodacom United Rugby Championship playoff hopes already dashed following a disappointing start to the season, this will mark a significant occasion for the KwaZulu-Natalians to earn some redemption in a season of mixed fortunes.

Given the close margins between the teams this season it is expected to be a humdinger.

Both sides suffered only one defeat in the competition to date, while Clermont hold a narrow one-point lead over the Hollywoodbets Sharks on points’ difference in their five matches. Adding to this, both sides come off morale-boosting victories last weekend in the Vodacom URC and French Top 14.

While Clermont will enter the match with confidence after registering a convincing 41-18 victory at home against Stade Francais in the Top 14, the Hollywoodbets Sharks will draw inspiration from their 32-27 victory against the Scarlets in Llanelli in the Vodacom URC – not only because of the fighting spirit they showed to hold on for the victory in a tense finish to the match, but also given the fact that it was an away game.

Interestingly, the teams find themselves in a similarly precarious position this season with disappointing performances early in the season, with the Durbanites having won four of their 15 matches in the Vodacom URC, while Clermont’s track record shows nine wins in 22 outings in the Top 14, making this a vital clash for both teams.

The match kicks off at 13h30 on Saturday and will be broadcast live on SuperSport. The second semi-final, between Gloucester and Benetton, kicks off at 16h00.

EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final – Hollywoodbets Sharks v Clermont Auvergne

Date: Saturday, 4 May

Venue: Twickenham Stoop, London

SA Time: 13h30

Referee: Luke Pearce

TV: SuperSport

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Rugby.

Media Resources:
Investec Champions Cup:
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Standings: https://apo-opa.co/3UIcu1T
Digital Tournament Guide: https://apo-opa.co/4boGoxQ
Official Website: www.EPCRugby.com/

EPCR Challenge Cup:
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Standings: https://apo-opa.co/3UtNfii
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Media managers’ contacts:
Team: Vodacom Bulls
Media Manager: Lunga Kupiso
E-mail address: lunga.k@bluebull.co.za

Team: DHL Stormers
Media Manager: Michael de Vries
E-mail address: mdevries@wprugby.co.za

Team: Emirates Lions
Media Manager: Nyaniso Sam
E-mail address: nyaniso@ellispark.co.za

Team: Hollywoodbets Sharks
Media Manager: Novashni Chetty
E-mail address: novashni@thesharks.co.za

Team: Toyota Cheetahs
Media Manager: Ronel Pienaar
E-mail address: ronel@fsrugby.co.za

Team: EPCR: Director of Comms&PR
Media Manager: Anna Young
E-mail address: anna.young@epcrugby.com

Team: EPCR: Communications Manager
Media Manager: Mark Jones
E-mail address: mark.jones@epcrugby.com

SA Rugby on social media:
@Springboks (Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/44tfTVJ and Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/4dr3KEu) | @bokrugby (Instagram)

For further information, please contact:
Andy Colquhoun
GM: Communications and Commercial
+27 (0) 21 928 7010
+27 (0) 82 926 0789
andyc@sarugby.co.za

De Jongh Borchardt
Communications Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7021
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dejonghb@sarugby.co.za

Rayaan Adriaanse
Junior Rugby Media Manager
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rayaan@sarugby.co.za

Sindiswa Ximba
Media Operations Coordinator
+27 (0) 21 928 7011
+27 (0) 60 504 1069
sindiswa.ximba@sarugby.co.za

Zeena Isaacs
Springbok Media Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7020
+27 (0) 82 357 3112
ZeenaI@sarugby.co.za

JJ Harmse
Sevens and Women’s Rugby Media Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7014
+27 (0) 71 480 4570
jjharmse@sarugby.co.za

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SA teams’ digital platforms:

Investec Champions Cup

Vodacom Bulls:
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FB: https://apo-opa.co/3Usi5rD
X: https://apo-opa.co/3Qv6KWL
IG: https://apo-opa.co/4b1LdgE

EPCR Challenge Cup

Emirates Lions:
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FB: https://apo-opa.co/4dlE0cJ
X: https://apo-opa.co/4dsWYOT
IG: https://apo-opa.co/44sIhqT

Hollywoodbets Sharks:
Web: SharksRugby.co.za
FB: https://apo-opa.co/3UHEkeK
X: https://apo-opa.co/3UL85Lq
IG: https://apo-opa.co/3Wmrxj7

Toyota Cheetahs:
Web: FSCheetahs.co.za
FB: https://apo-opa.co/3QtT3Yf
X: https://apo-opa.co/3QvsGkm
IG: https://apo-opa.co/4a7ccWT

After a decade-long break, the Rugby Super Series makes its return, with two exciting matches scheduled for Saturday, May 4th, 2024, at the RFUEA Grounds on Ngong Road, Nairobi. Originally slated for the KCB Sports Club in Ruaraka, the venue had to be changed due to heavy rains in Nairobi and other parts of the country.

As a result, the action kicks off early at RFUEA, with the Buffaloes facing off against the Cheetahs at noon, followed by the Lions and Rhinos clash at 3:00 pm.

All four men’s teams (Buffaloes, Cheetahs, Lions, and Rhinos) have already unveiled their tournament squads, with the matchday lineups set to be announced later today, on Friday, May 3rd, 2024.

This year’s competition adopts a round-robin format, spanning across Nairobi, Nakuru, and Kakamega over the first three match days. The top two teams will then battle it out in the championship match on the fourth match day.

Adding to the excitement, the tournament introduces its inaugural women’s competition, featuring the Eagles and Jaguars. These two teams will go head-to-head over two match days to determine the ultimate victor.

The tournament has received significant support from sponsors, including Tessen Sports Services, KCB Bank, West Kenya Sugar, Menengai Oil Refineries, and Jamii Telecom.

Men’s squads.

BUFFALOES

Forwards: Javan Olando, Collins Amonde, Christopher Otieno, Andrew Wangila, Clinton Litali, Thomas Simiyu, Collins Indeche, Biden Hayo, Geoffrey Shitambasi, Edward Mwaura, Hillary Mwanjilwa, Victor Otieno, Paywick Munoko, Gibson Perez, Darryl Oluoch

Backs: Walter Ambe, Eric Cantona, Brian Kiptanui, Darrell Brantana, Alvin Mutachi, Bede Enonda, James Olela, Roy Maruti, Griffin Chao, Paul Abuto, Dan Ang’ wech, Collins Osore, Jackson Siketa

Reserves: Humphrey Asiligwa, David Williams, Fortune Aturo, Jacktone Omondi, Robert Murunga, Daniel Kipchirchir, Hillary Salano

Coach: Max Adaka

CHEETAHS

Forwards: Desterious Makenzi, Erick Miheso, Francis Orembe, Kevin Kiget, Brian Onyango, Celestine Mboi, Emmanuel Mboya, Ibrahim Ayoo, Barry Opondo, Nelson Tengeye, Wesley Lusaka, Amos Nyamanya, Felix Odhiambo, Clinton Juma, Elkeans Mukamiti, Samuel Were

Backs: Samson Onsomu, James Muthoni, Samuel Macharia, Tony Owino, Tyson Maina, Philip Otieno, Chrispin Shitundo, Quinto Ongo, Alvin Khavoli, Javan Okwaro, Beldad Ogeta, Dennis Abukuse, Chrisant Ojwang

Reserves: Abutwalib Abdalla, Reuben Gathoni, Wallace Ouma, Nixon Onyango, Timothy Ejakait, Kelvin Chebet, Andrew Ndondo 

Coach: Lawrence Buyachi

LIONS

Forwards: Oscar Simiyu, Nick Okullo, Wilhite Mususi, Patrick Ouko, Givens Oduor, Griffin Musila, James Ochieng, Emmanuel Silungi, Andycole Omole, Collins Kabayo, Obat Kuke, Persian Kolian, Felix Ojow, Randy Wama, Eliakim Kichoi, Manasseh Oduor

Backs: Derrick Wechuli, Emmanuel Opondo, Derrick Masese, Brian Wahinya, Elvis Namusasi, Daniel Oyoo, Bob Muhati, Levy Amunga, Charles Tendwa, Gabriel Namusasi, Michael Wamalwa, Rugar Benjamin

Reserves: Randy Odhiambo, Newton Okeyo, Steve Odhiambo, Claude Nyamiro, Davies Masinga, Shuaib Wesonga, Shaddy Onyango 

Coach: Oliver Mang’ eni

RHINOS

Forwards Meshack Tunnech,Khaider Mohammed,Abel Matanda,Sheldon Kahi,Clein Okumbi,John Aswani,Adam Mugo,Ryan Odua,Steven Odhiambo,Eric Shimoli,Charles Omondi,Stanslous Shikoli,Bramwel Anekea,Barnabas Owuor,Dennis Tubei

Backs Jan Remke,Patrick Wainaina,Zedden Marrow,Paul Mutsami,Evin Asena,Harmony Wamalwa,Charles Odhiambo,Ian Mumbwani,Bruce Odhiambo,Matoka Matoka,Stephen Osumba,Victor Odhiambo,Shem Okola

Reserves Richel Wangila,Wiseman Aganya,Fred Shisia,Benjamin Marshall,Charlton Mokua Raymond Chacha,Laban Kispang 

Coach: Paul Murunga

FIXTURES

Saturday 4 May 2024 | RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi

Buffaloes v Cheetahs | 12.00pm

Lions v Rhinos | 3.00pm

Saturday 11 May 2024 | Nakuru Athletic Club, Nakuru

Buffaloes v Rhinos | 2.00pm

Cheetahs v Lions | 4.00pm

Saturday 18 May 2024 | The Bullring, Kakamega

Eagles v Jaguars | 12.00pm (Women’s Fixture)

Rhinos v Cheetahs | 2.00pm

Buffaloes v Lions | 4.00pm

Saturday 25 May 2024 | RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi

Jaguars v Eagles | 12.00pm (Women’s Fixture)

Rank 3 v Rank 4 | 2.00pm

Rank 1 v Rank 2 | 4.00pm
 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kenya Rugby Union (KRU).

KRU Media&Communications: 
Tel: +254 724 256 179 Email: media@kru.co.ke

A team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), led by Mr. Edward Gemayel, conducted a mission to Senegal from April 26 to May 3, 2024, to take stock of the recent economic and political developments and lay the ground for the second review under the existing IMF-supported program.

At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. Gemayel issued the following statement:

“The Senegalese economy in 2023 proved resilient despite challenges. Notwithstanding political tensions surrounding the presidential election and external pressures, growth surprised on the upside (4.6 percent), reflecting a good agricultural campaign and a strong tertiary sector. Inflation also saw a faster-than-anticipated decline, dropping to 5.9 percent. Elevated energy subsidies (CFAF 620 billion or 3.3 percent of GDP) and higher interest payments were offset by cuts in investments in order to contain the fiscal deficit at 4.9 percent of GDP, in line with the program target. Additionally, the government has built liquidity buffers in anticipation of the presidential election, contributing to a rise in central government debt (73.4 percent of GDP) above the WAEMU ceiling. The current account deficit remained large (18.8 percent of GDP), reflecting continued weak exports of goods.

Economic activity in 2024Q1 was weaker than anticipated, reflecting political uncertainties linked to the presidential election. High frequency indicators suggest that economic activity was subdued as businesses postponed investments and consumers cut back on spending. Headline inflation declined to 3.3 percent (Y-o-Y). Budget execution was marked by a revenue shortfall and an overrun in the energy subsidy. The outlook, however, remains favorable. Economic growth for 2024 is now projected at 7.1 percent down from 8.3 percent, reflecting weaker economic activity due to the electoral context and delays in gas production to December 2024.

Preliminary end-2023 data suggest that the program remains broadly on track. However, meeting the end-2024 fiscal deficit target of 3.9 percent of GDP will require ambitious measures to reduce tax exemptions and enhance spending efficiency. This should be done through a supplementary budget that would pave the way towards reaching the regional target of 3 percent of GDP in 2025.

Further efforts are needed to advance the structural reform agenda, namely, revising the petroleum product pricing formula and conducting an audit of the electricity company SENELEC in order to implement a new electricity tariff structure, with a social tariff to support vulnerable households. Furthermore, the authorities are progressing on measures to exit the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list.

The new authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to the existing IMF-supported program. They recognize that the program’s core pillars align with their own strategic goals, namely: enhancing fiscal resilience and reducing debt vulnerabilities, strengthening governance, promoting structural transformation, and building resilience to climate change.

The IMF team wishes to thank the authorities and other counterparts for their excellent cooperation, and candid and constructive discussions during the visit. Discussions for the second review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangements are tentatively planned for June 2024.

During the visit, the IMF team met with His Excellency, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko; Mr. Cheikh Diba, Minister of Finance and Budget; and other senior government officials. The IMF team also had productive discussions with representatives of the business community and development partners.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Monetary Fund (IMF).

UNECE Resource Management Week 2024 spotlighted the growing roles of the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC) and the United Nations Resource Management System (UNRMS) in promoting sustainable development through enhanced integration and effective management of natural resources. 

Growing global application: The adoption of UNFC and UNRMS continues to expand, as evidenced by new legislation such as its integration into the EU Critical Raw Materials Act. In addition to increasing use at national level in Africa, the African Union Commission’s African Mineral and Energy Resources Classification and Management System (AMREC), which is based on UNFC and UNRMS, aligns with both the Africa Mining Vision and the SDGs. This increasing adoption underscores the frameworks’ utility and applicability across diverse legal and regulatory environments. 

Expanding network of International Centres of Excellence on Sustainable Resource Management (ICE-SRMs): The establishment and potential expansion of ICE-SRMs—from Africa to Latin America and East and Southeast Asia—demonstrate the momentum around the UNFC and UNRMS frameworks. The growing interest in establishing new Centes in countries like Armenia, China, and India further reflects their global appeal and practical utility. 

Bridging Documents and methodological advancements: This year’s meeting highlighted updates in bridging documents and methodologies that enhance the integration of UNFC and UNRMS into national and regional policies. Updates to the Bridging Document between the Committee for Mineral Reserves International Reporting Standards (CRIRSCO) Template and UNFC and new bridging documents with countries like China and initiatives such the Pan African Resource Reporting Code (PARC) are examples of how these frameworks foster a transparent, integrated approach to managing the supply chains of critical raw materials. 

Developing global case studies, best practices and innovative technologies: The UK’s Cornwall region exemplifies the successful implementation of UNRMS guidelines, optimizing local resource management. This case study joins a broader collection of global examples demonstrating the efficacy and versatility of the UNRMS framework across various settings. Serving as a model, these instances highlight the substantial benefits of adopting standardized, sustainable resource management practices. The integration of cutting-edge technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence into the UNRMS framework, as discussed at the event, could further boost transparency and accountability in resource governance. 

Future directions: Looking forward, the discussions laid a foundation for continued, networked and collaborative efforts to advance the global resource management agenda, with UNFC and UNRMS as integral tools. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).