Zimbabwe’s national rugby team, the Sables, have made history by qualifying for the Rugby World Cup for the first time in over three decades. The Sables secured their place at the 2027 tournament in Australia following a dramatic 30-28 victory over Namibia in the Rugby Africa Cup final held in Kampala, Uganda.
This will mark Zimbabwe’s third appearance at rugby’s most prestigious global competition, having previously competed in the inaugural 1987 World Cup and again in 1991. The return to the world stage ends a 36-year absence and signals a new chapter for Zimbabwean rugby.
The final against Namibia, a side that had qualified for the past seven consecutive World Cups, was a nail-biting encounter that showcased the resurgence of Zimbabwean rugby. The two teams went into the match with recent history between them — Zimbabwe had defeated Namibia in the semi-finals of the previous year’s Rugby Africa Cup, where they eventually went on to lift the trophy. This time, the stakes were even higher, with a place at the expanded 24-team World Cup on the line.
Saturday’s match was fiercely contested from the outset, with both sides locked at 16-16 at half-time. The opening forty minutes were a test of endurance and precision, with neither team able to establish a significant lead. However, the tide appeared to turn early in the second half when Zimbabwe’s Godfrey Muzanargwo and Brandon Mudzekenyedzi crossed the try line in quick succession, giving the Sables a crucial advantage.
With the Zimbabwean camp gaining momentum and their supporters sensing history in the making, Namibia — under the guidance of former Saracens and national team legend Jacques Burger — were not ready to surrender. Jay-Cee Nel and Adriaan Booysen responded with tries of their own, cutting the deficit to just two points with ten minutes remaining.
In a tense finale, Namibia had one last chance to snatch victory when substitute Tiaan Swanepoel stepped up to take a long-range penalty from inside his own half in the 79th minute. The attempt sailed wide, leaving the Sables to celebrate a famous win and a long-awaited return to the global rugby arena.
The result not only ended Namibia’s dominant run in African rugby — they had represented the continent at every World Cup since 1999 — but also signaled a major shift in the region’s rugby landscape. Until now, only Ivory Coast (in 1995) had broken Namibia’s hold on Africa’s qualification pathway.
Zimbabwe Qualify for 2027 Rugby World Cup After Thrilling Victory Over Namibia
Zimbabwe’s victory is being celebrated as a triumph of resilience and ambition. The team’s progress has been the result of years of rebuilding and investment in talent development, despite limited resources and challenges in the domestic rugby setup.
Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) officials hailed the qualification as a watershed moment for the sport in the country. “This is a monumental achievement for Zimbabwean rugby,” a ZRU spokesperson said. “It’s more than just qualifying for the World Cup — it’s about proving that we belong on the global stage and reigniting the passion for rugby across the nation.”
Head coach of the Sables, [Insert Name], credited the team’s discipline, unity, and belief for the success. “We knew it wouldn’t be easy, but the boys played their hearts out. We stuck to our game plan and executed when it mattered most,” the coach said in a post-match interview.
While Zimbabwe can now look ahead to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, Namibia’s campaign is not yet over. They will face the United Arab Emirates — runners-up at the Asia Rugby Men’s Championship — in a play-off next Saturday. The winner will proceed to the Final Qualification Tournament, set to take place in Dubai this November, offering one last chance to book a World Cup spot.
For Zimbabwe, however, the focus now shifts to preparing for their long-awaited return to rugby’s biggest stage. With global attention turning toward Australia in 2027, the Sables will be eager to build on this momentum, improve their squad depth, and prove themselves against the world’s elite.
This qualification marks not just a sporting achievement, but also a powerful symbol of national pride, resilience, and the resurgence of Zimbabwean rugby after years in the wilderness. The Sables are back — and they’re ready to make their mark.
