Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
DION Khumalo still remembers the moment Zimbabwe’s name echoed through the room during the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw.
The reaction was immediate.
His skin tightened and the weight of what it all meant finally landed.
It felt like a country stepping into the light and he happened to be standing right there as it happened.
“Goosebumps, I got goosebumps,” said Khumalo.
“It was actually my first time hearing Zimbabwe getting called out on a world stage and I couldn’t help but get those goosebumps all over my body.
“I am pretty happy and excited that I finally got to bear witness to that and will carry that feeling with me for the rest of my career.
“Now I can’t wait to see how we fare and take on the countries in our pool come 2027 in Australia.”
That moment did more than stir emotion.
It sharpened intent.
Khumalo is already picturing himself in that squad. He doesn’t want to watch from the fringes or soak in the atmosphere from the sidelines.
He wants minutes, collisions and a chance to stand across from some of the world’s biggest teams.
“Every Zimbabwe rugby player, local or abroad, should want to be part of that team going to the World Cup,” he said.
“I am going to do everything within my power to make sure that I am not only going to be part of that squad going to Australia, but also every match day team during the tournament.
“I do not want go to Australia to make the numbers but actually play against Wales, England and even Tonga.
“Nothing is confirmed or guaranteed but everyone is grinding every day, working towards making the team.
“We are not waiting for the coaches to give us programmes but we are all pushing ourselves and working towards that one common goal.”
The push is already underway.
For Khumalo, the Nations Cup next year sits at the heart of that preparation. It will be a tough run of fixtures and a chance for fringe players to fight for spots. It will also serve as a mirror for the coaches as they weigh their final World Cup plans.
One particular fixture stands out – against Tonga.
The draw put them in Zimbabwe’s World Cup group and also on the Nations Cup schedule, which gives the Sables an early shot at decoding their style.
“I am happy that we have Tonga in our group at the World Cup,” said Khumalo.
“Tonga is a team that we are going to play next July in the World Rugby Nations Cup, and we going to get a glimpse of the style of rugby, strengths and weaknesses.
“That should also give us an idea of what we can expect at the World Cup when we play them again.
“Obviously, when you play a team twice, you start to get an idea of how they go about in their patterns.
“The Nations Cup matches is also give us an idea of where we stand and what we need to do come 2027.”
Zimbabwe will also face the United States and Canada in that competition, which should help sharpen the squad’s edge before the trip to Australia.
The World Cup draw has placed Zimbabwe in Pool F with England, Wales and Tonga.
It is a demanding group and the expanded knockout format means every point matters.
The top two teams from each pool and the four best third place teams will move on to the Round of 16.
Khumalo knows the spotlight will fall on the showdown between England and Wales, but he can’t help imagining what it will feel like to meet those giants head on.
“Everyone is talking about the England match and I think it’s going to be a great game.
“It’s going to be a spectacular one, and will likely go down in the history books.
“I can’t wait to see we fare against them (England) and Wales too.
“I am super excited to see how we fare against them, how we attack and defend against them.”
He didn’t complain about the draw. He embraced it.
“It was fair. If you look at all the groups, they are no easy games or pools.
“The hosts, Australia, will renew their rivalry with New Zealand and they is also Chile to contend with.
“Yes, it will be tough but we have to go with a positive mentality, prepare well and play to the best of abilities.
“We are not going there to make the numbers, we are going to compete.”
