Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S senior rugby captain Hilton Mudariki has targeted the Sables’ October internationals for a possible return from a calf injury, as the 34-year-old hopes to be fit enough to compete in the World Rugby Nations Cup’s next window.
Mudariki is nursing a Grade 2 calf tear sustained during the Sables’ 31-15 loss to the United States in the July window of the inaugural Nations Cup tournament.
The competition was designed specifically for next year’s Rugby World Cup participants, in a bid to give them competitive game time.
However, Mudariki has revealed that his rehab is going smoothly, with the Zimbabwe forward scheduled to return earlier than expected. The October internationals — where the Zimbabwe Rugby Union Interim Management Committee (IMC) is eyeing home Tests against either Germany or Chile — are the current target.
“I picked up a Grade 2 calf tear during the Nations Cup, which ruled me out of our final game,” said the Zimbabwe skipper.
“Rehab has been going really well, and we are actually targeting the October internationals for my return.
“The goal is to be fully fit and ready to play by then, which will set me up well for the November window,” he said.
He added: “It has been a steady process, and we have moved on from managing the injury to strengthening, loading, and now running. I’m doing a lot more every week and the calf is responding well.
“It’s been frustrating at times, but I’m happy with the progress, and we are taking it step by step,” he said.
Aside from the physical pain, Mudariki has also been working on the mental aspects of the recovery process, with the 34-year-old eager to return to active duty.
“It’s definitely tough, especially as a player and captain,” he said.
“You always want to be out there, on the park, with the boys, but I have tried to stay positive and remain involved with the team.
“I’m focusing on my rehab and making sure I come back in the best shape possible,” he said.
Zimbabwe have fixtures against Samoa, Uruguay, and Chile during the November window of the Nations Cup tournament.
World Rugby recently released the schedule for the next round of games, slated for November 6-21 in Europe and Hong Kong.
As part of the November schedule, Zimbabwe will stage their designated home matches in England and France, while Hong Kong China will play two of their three home fixtures there too.
The arrangements have been agreed with the respective unions for the 2026 edition, reflecting the wider European footprint of the November window, while maintaining important home-market moments where possible.
While Zimbabwe got off to a rocky start at the tournament — going down to Tonga (36-26), USA (31-15), and Canada (23-19) — the Sables will be hoping for a much-improved performance this time around.
They will open their November schedule with a match against Samoa at the DIY Kitchens Stadium in Wakefield, England, on November 7.
The Sables will then host Uruguay at the Trailfinders Sports Ground in Ealing, England, on November 14.
Zimbabwe will then move to France for their final match against Chile at the Stade Chanzy in Angoulême, France.
That match is slated for November 21.
It will be the first time the Sables are in France since the 2022 edition of the Rugby Africa Cup that was held in Marseille.
That tournament was used as qualification for the 2023 Rugby World Cup held in France.
Unfortunately, things did not go so well for the Sables. They beat Côte d’Ivoire 30-11 in the quarterfinals, with tries coming from Matthew McNab, Aiden Burnett, Matthew Mandioma, and a brace by Shayne Makombe.
Mudariki chipped in with three penalties.
The Sables were then knocked out at the semi-final stage when they lost 34-19 to Namibia.
Mudariki was also on the scoreboard with two conversions.
Namibia then followed that up with a 36-0 win over Kenya to qualify for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, while Zimbabwe beat Algeria 20-11 in their third-place playoff.
On a possible return to France, Mudariki said: “I’m really excited about it.
“France holds special memories for Zimbabwean rugby, so going back there will be special.
“We have come a long way since 2022, and these games will be another great opportunity to test ourselves against quality opposition as we build towards the 2027 World Cup,” he said.
