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Zimpapers Sports Hub
Zimbabwe rugby ace Aaron Juma has joined the University of Mary Washington (UMW) and Mother Rugby in the United States of America (USA).
Juma reunites with fellow former Falcon College student Huntsman Greaves at UMW. He joins as a transfer student and is enrolled in UMW’s prestigious Business programme, which holds accreditation achieved by only six percent of universities worldwide.
In a statement from UMW, the Zimbabwean rugby star expressed excitement about the opportunities ahead.
“When asked what his goals were for this season, Aaron quickly answered: to win every game, bring my parents to America to visit, make a lot of brothers, do really well in class, and get closer to God.”
Standing 6’1” tall and weighing 225 pounds, Juma primarily plays as a 7 but is versatile enough to excel in multiple positions. As a schoolboy, he earned numerous accolades, including playing at the Craven Week three times and representing all the Zimbabwean age-grade teams. Most recently, he was a team leader on the NCR tour of France and has twice been named an NCR All-American. Juma was also his university’s Athlete of the Year and one of Old Glory’s picks in the MLR draft, alongside his new roommate, Sebastian Schefermann.
His hobbies include music, outdoor activities, and various sports. Growing up, he played 10 sports, including football, field hockey, basketball, and squash.
Juma officially began his journey at his new school on Monday.
Last year, Juma was selected by Old Glory DC during the 2024 Major League Rugby (MLR) Collegiate Draft.
The former Falcon College flanker, who has represented Zimbabwe across various junior age groups, has solidified his reputation as one of the top players on the US collegiate rugby circuit through consistent performances for Wheeling University.
He was the 17th overall pick in the draft, selected by Old Glory DC in the second round. Juma became the first Wheeling Rugby player to be drafted into the MLR and the fourth Cardinal to ever feature in an MLR game.
Over the past two seasons, Juma has been instrumental in elevating the Wheeling University Rugby programme to a National Championship level. During this period, he recorded 40 tries, amassing 200 points across both 15s and Sevens seasons with the Cardinals. He is one of only four Cardinals in history to achieve the 200-career point milestone.
Juma played a pivotal role in the Cardinals’ first-ever national championship, scoring 10 tries across five matches at the Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC) National Sevens.
In his debut season with the Cardinals, Juma competed in both 15s and Sevens campaigns, finishing with 23 tries and a total of 115 points. Notably, he scored in seven consecutive matches during the 15s season.
During the 2023/24 season, he continued his dual appearances in 15s and Sevens, tallying 17 tries for 85 points.
He was the team’s joint-leading scorer at the CRC National Sevens and secured the match-winning try in the 15s BRRC Championship. Additionally, he earned NCR DI All-American honours.
Juma’s move to UMW and his accomplishments highlight his rising profile in international rugby.
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