SPOTLIGHT: Zimbabwe has produced some former greats like Tendai Mtawarira, Gary Teichmann, and David Pocock, and is determined to sneak into the spotlight as they have their sights set on the World Cup in Australia in 2027.
Those big names went on to play for the Springboks and Australia respectively while other Zimbabweans like Kyle Godwin (France), Tapiwa Mafura (Cheetahs), David Ewers (UK), and Eli Snyman (Italy) all ply their trade elsewhere.
On the African continent, Zimbabwe is overshadowed by world champions the Springboks, but the Sables have plenty to celebrate with their recent Africa Cup win, a well-earned comeback to the big leagues.
But Zimbabwe’s national team is setting its sights on more than just silverware. They have their sights firmly set on being in Australia in three years.
And with World Rugby’s new eligibility rules and RWC 2027 in sight, Wallabies centre Godwin and former All Blacks flank Gareth Evans might very well be in that Sables side.
The roots of rugby in Zimbabwe date back to colonial times, when the sport was introduced by British settlers, gaining popularity in schools and gradually establishing a competitive framework within the country.
Zimbabwe is one of Africa’s rare teams to reach the World Cup, competing in 1987 and 1991. However, political and economic hurdles slowed growth, limiting both exposure and player development.
In recent years Zimbabwe’s focus has remained on regional competitions like the Africa Cup due to limited resources and infrastructure, which have historically restricted their international exposure.
In the Africa Cup earlier this year Zimbabwe claimed an emphatic 29-3 victory over Algeria, ending a 12-year title drought since their previous win in 2012. This triumph was a major milestone, but perhaps even more significant was the Sables’ semifinal victory over Namibia, a regional powerhouse they hadn’t beaten in 23 years.
This achievement marked Zimbabwe’s return to the top tier of African rugby, building confidence as they aim for the next World Cup in Australia in 2027.
These victories also raised their World Rugby ranking to 28th, their highest in nearly a decade, sparking optimism for their potential qualification for the global showpiece in Australia.
With consistent performance and key players on board, Zimbabwe stands a solid chance in the next cycle. This ambition aligns with the ZRU’s plans to expand talent programmes, improve training facilities, and build international partnerships.
Zimbabwe’s rugby future hinges on growing homegrown talent and creating paths to professional play.
The ZRU prioritises grassroots development, aiming to cultivate players who can compete locally and internationally.
The recent Africa Cup win has boosted support from fans, sponsors, and stakeholders, while rugby in the communities and school has dramatically improved.
Zimbabwean rugby, once held back by financial and structural setbacks, is charging ahead with serious momentum.
