Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE will walk straight into a storm when the Sables return to the Rugby World Cup but captain Hilton Mudariki says it’s the challenge his troops will be ready to face.
The Sables are returning to the Rugby World Cup for the first time in 36 years.
They have been placed in Pool F with England, Wales and Tonga for the tournament which will be held in Australia.
The group will provide a brutal test for the Sables.
However, the quality of the opponents at the tournament was always going to be high.
At the draw yesterday, All Blacks great Daniel Carter reached into Band 4 and pulled out Zimbabwe’s name.
It set up a daunting but historic path for a team which earned their place after winning the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup.
The draw instantly underlined the scale of the challenge ahead. Zimbabwe will meet 2003 world champions England, Six Nations regulars Wales and a powerful Tonga side.
These are established rugby nations who bring pedigree, depth and experience.
Mudariki said the group is everything the players were dreaming of.
“We knew any pool would be tough at this level, but to draw two of the most iconic names in world rugby, England and Wales, is an incredible opportunity for our team and for the nation,” said Mudariki.
“This is the moment we have worked for. We embrace the challenge of Pool F and look forward to showing the world the potential of Zimbabwean rugby.
“Every match will be a final for us and the goal remains to advance in the expanded 24 team format.”
For Zimbabwe, the assignment is steep but it also comes with a chance to unsettle giants and rekindle memories of their 1987 and 1991 appearances. That was the country’s last taste of rugby’s top competition.
This time they arrive with momentum, unity and a belief that they can force their way into the knockout rounds.
The 2027 World Cup will be the biggest rugby tournament held, with six pools of four teams and a new Round of 16.
The top two sides from each group and the four best third place teams will progress to the knockouts.
Competition points will determine the qualifiers, followed by points difference and try difference if teams finish level.
2027 Rugby World Cup Pools
Pool A
New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Hong Kong
Pool B
South Africa, Italy, Georgia, Romania
Pool C
Argentina, Fiji, Spain, Canada
Pool D
Ireland, Scotland, Uruguay, Portugal
Pool E
France, Japan, USA, Samoa
Pool F
England, Wales, Tonga, Zimbabwe
