Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE are going back to the Rugby World Cup.
After 34 years of heartbreak and near misses, the Sables made history on Saturday, defying the odds to seal qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, their first appearance at the global showpiece since 1991.
They did it the hard way, edging southern African rivals Namibia 30-28 in a thrilling final.
It was a gutsy, emotional triumph, not just for this generation of Sables, but for the many who came before them and the millions of fans who’ve watched the team fall short over the decades.
Coach Pieter Benade’s men held their nerve in the dying stages to book a ticket to Australia, beating Namibia for the second straight time after years of playing second fiddle to the Welwitschias.
But the Sables aren’t going Down Under to make up the numbers.
Second rower Godfrey Muzanargwo, who was named Player of the Match after a dominant display, said the team’s focus has already shifted to making a real impact.
“For us, now, it’s back to the drawing board. We don’t want to go to the World Cup just to be there. We want to go there and compete and put Zimbabwe on the map,” he said.
Muzanargwo, who scored Zimbabwe’s second try, credited their success to collective effort and belief.
“The support from back home, our coaches doing the work behind the scenes, and all the team mates for pushing us forward, that’s what got us here,” he added.
Star flyhalf Ian Prior, the tournament’s top points scorer and Player of the Tournament, was overwhelmed after the final whistle.
“I’m at a loss for words, to be honest. It’s a dream come true. We knew if we stuck to our process . . . we played for each other, we played for the people of Zimbabwe and every Zimbabwean around the world,” said Prior.
“Nothing is a given (defending the Africa Cup title), but it gave us some confidence that we can come here, play some good performances and get ourselves a good shot, which we did.
Thank you for the support, both here (in Uganda), in Zimbabwe, and across the world. We hope they can celebrate with us and this is a turning point for the game of rugby in Zimbabwe.”
He later described the achievement as “priceless.”
“A surreal and emotional moment being part of the Zimbabwe team qualifying for the Rugby World Cup for the first time since 1991. So many people to thank, and we hope we made you all proud to support the Zimbabwe Sables.”
The moment wasn’t lost on neutrals either, with legendary Namibian flanker Jacque Burger tipping his hat to the Sables.
“Congratulations to Zimbabwe who qualified for the Rugby World Cup 27.
All the years of heartache, disappointments and hard work has earned you the opportunity to compete at the RWC27,” he posted.
Zimbabwe now become the 18th team confirmed for the 2027 tournament, joining heavyweights South Africa, New Zealand, England, France, and hosts Australia, among others.
Hong Kong are the only other debutants so far.
This is more than just qualification. It’s a resurrection, and Zimbabwe rugby is alive again. – @brandon_malvin.
derick.khumalo