malvernmugadzikwa
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOR Kyle Godwin, the trip back home to Zimbabwe, the country of his birth, has been a rather surreal experience.
The former Wallabies centre is only the second player who heed the Sables’ call after Ian Prior. Upon his arrival last week, he revealed the true reasons behind his return after a long and extended absence.
In a nutshell, it is to reconnect with his home and, more importantly, help the Sables in their quest to qualify for the next Rugby World Cup in 2027.
In the meantime, all he can do is get reacquainted with the country of his birth and form a bond with the Zimbabwe Sables family.
And Godwin says he has he been busy over the last couple of days.
“I am mostly excited to get back and give back,” he said.
“I have memories of my old house, as a seven- or eight-year-old, and some from my old school (primary).
“But being back here again, it has been like travelling to a new country and I am very much looking forward to reconnecting with Zimbabwe again.”
As it pertains to his other mission, the former Australia centre said: “I’m super excited to be part of the positive energy surrounding Zimbabwe Rugby right now.
“I hope to contribute to our efforts in qualifying for the World Cup. Zimbabwe have produced some incredible rugby talent and I look forward to seeing our players compete on the world stage.”
The 32-year-old was immediately into the thick of things and has been training with the Zimbabwe A squad, under the tutelage of Sables coach Piet Benade, over the last couple of day.
He was welcomed with open arms by the boys, mostly made up of locally based players, and, in particular, Zimbabwe skipper Hilton Mudariki.
“Yeah, it’s huge to have Kyle come into the team and slot in as easily as he has done over the last couple of days,” said Mudariki.
“He seems to have bought into the vision that coach Piet (Benade) and the whole Sables family have, and he has just been great.
“He has been talking to some of the boys, passing on his knowledge, experience and expertise, and we are really looking forward to seeing what he can do out on the pitch,” he said.
Godwin concurred with his skipper on the seamless assimilations into the team.
“Zimbabwe have some serious athletes in this team,” he said.
“I haven’t played competitively or trained in about six or so months now, and the first couple of sessions were mainly about getting those cobwebs out of my system.
“I have been impressed with the team so far; we have some really young and energetic young lads and a couple of good older heads as well.
“Really excited about spending the next couple of weeks or months with them and, hopefully, we can do great things together.”
Born on July 30, 1992, Godwin spent his formative years in Harare before moving to Australia and getting his formal education in Perth.
Known for his skills as an inside centre, the 32-year-old went on to win one cap for Wallabies against France in November 2016, in addition to representing Australia at Under-20 level at the 2012 IRB Junior World Championships in South Africa.
He plays for French club Lyon OU Rugby in the Top 14 competition and has previously represented the Western Force and Brumbies in Super Rugby, where he made his debut in 2012 against the Queensland Reds in Perth.
Over his career, he has played a total of 76 Super Rugby games.
Godwin has now served the necessary stand-down period under World Rugby’s birthright transfer ruling.
He is the second player to switch allegiances and opt to play for the Zimbabwe Sables after Prior.
Former All Blacks and Highlanders loose forward, Gareth Evans, who won his only cap against Japan in 2018, is said to be considering a similar switch.
Another name that has been touted to follow suit is former Junior Springbok lock Eli Snyman.
It has been two years since Evans (32) last played for Highlanders, while Snyman, who plays for Benetton, is still only 28.
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter