Ian Prior joins Sables ahead of Africa Cup

THE Sables’ quest to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup has received a boost with former Australia Under-20 halfback Ian Prior joining the squad ahead of the Rugby Africa Cup which gets underway later in the month in Uganda.

The Africa Cup is the first step towards qualification and the 33-year-old experienced Prior will play a pivotal role as the Sables look to secure their first World Cup appearance since 1991. Prior is part of the 34- member squad for the continental tournament that was announced by Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU). The squad has already begun their preparations for the continental showdown which will run from July 18 to 30.

Prior was born in Queensland, Australia, to a Zimbabwean mother and spent his early childhood in Zimbabwe after his parents moved back to Zimbabwe when he was just three years old in 1993. The Sables’ new addition managed to show his talent in Queensland and in 2010 was called up to represent Australia Under- 20s at the World Rugby Junior World Championship before he went on to secure a contract with Super Rugby side the Queensland Reds a year later.

After one season with the Reds, Prior made the move from Brisbane to Canberra when he signed for the Brumbies for two seasons before making the move to Perth where he signed for the Western Force. He went on to captain Western Force, a side he was contracted to until the end of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season. Sables head coach Piet Benade believes that his side has what it takes to cause an upset in Uganda and challenge for the title.

The squad includes a mix of experienced and up-and-coming players. “We are excited to be heading to Uganda for the Rugby Africa Cup. We have selected a strong squad that is capable of winning the tournament. We know it will be a tough challenge but we are confident that we can cause an upset,” said Benade.

Apart from Prior, some of the players that made it into the team are Tino Mavesere who won the EPCR Challenge Cup with Sharks and France-based Victor Mupunga. The team also has a number of Under-20s from last year. Prior was not the only addition to the team as former Springboks assistant coach Gert Smal has joined as a consultant.

The Rugby Africa Cup is a continental men’s rugby union tournament organised by Rugby Africa. The 2024 edition of the tournament features eight nations and these are: Burkina Faso, Namibia, Senegal, Kenya, Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe will play their first match against the hosts Uganda at the Kyadondo Rugby Club on July 20. A win will see them go on to face the winner between Namibia and Burkina Faso on July 24 in the semi-finals.

Sables squad for Africa Cup:

Forwards: Aiden Burnett (Vice Captain), Tino Mavesere, Bornwell Gwinji, Brian Makamure, Brian Nyaude, Bryan Chiang, Cleopas Kundiona, David Makamba, Hilton Kamanda, Huntley Masterson, Jeff Makoni, Keegan Joubert, Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Liam Larkan, Neil Mawere, Simba Mandioma, Simba Siraha, Tadiwa Gwashu, Tapiwa Tsomondo, Victor Mapunga, Zvikomborero Chimoto

Backs: Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Carlos Matemai, Darell Makwasha, Dion Khumalo, Gamu Nekati, Godfrey Magaramombe, Hilton Mudariki (Captain), Ian Prior, Kudzi Mashawi (Co Captain), Takudzwa Musingwini, Tapiwa Mafura, Thabani Maguranyanga, Trevor Gurwe. — @brandon_malvin