Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia could change the sport for good.
The Sables were 30-28 winners over Namibia in what was an explosive Rugby Africa Cup final at Mandela National Stadium in Uganda on Saturday.
Before this milestone, the sport had for years shown big potential at schools and junior level, only to become a pale shadow of its greatness at higher levels.
Soon after victory, when qualification had been confirmed on Saturday, it was only natural that emotions got the better of players and there were wild celebrations in Uganda, in Harare and across the world by Zimbabweans.
It perhaps was a true reflection of how big this sport is in the country. Zimbabwe’s 34-year wait was over.
The appearance in Australia will be Zimbabwe’s third in a Men’s Rugby World Cup. And the Sables become the second African team confirmed for Australia after the reigning Rugby World Cup champions, South Africa.
But the fact that the country was actually the first African team at a Rugby World Cup, taking part at the Rugby World Cups in 1987 and 1991, is an indication of a long period spent on the peripheries.
During Zimbabwe’s wilderness experience, Namibia were firmly holding on to the Africa spot, from 1999-2023.
The Sables win means if Namibia can go on and qualify via repechage, Africa would have three teams at a Men’s Rugby World Cup for the first time.
That for now is not the Sables issue to worry about.
For second rower Godfrey Muzanargwo, named Player of the Match after a thunderous all round performance capped by a try, this is just the beginning.
“It’s back to the drawing board now,” he said. “We’re not going to the World Cup just to be there. We want to compete. We want to put Zimbabwe on the map.”
Muzanargwo’s humility matched his hunger. He credited the team’s success to the collective, coaches, fans, teammates, and the long road travelled together.
“We’re nothing without the support from back home,” he added. “The coaches, the boys, everyone pushing day in and day out. That’s what got us here.”
If Muzanargwo was the muscle, Ian Prior was the pulse. The Australian born flyhalf, now firmly a Zimbabwean son, finished as the tournament’s top points scorer and was named Most Valuable Player. For him, the moment was deeply personal.
“I’m honestly at a loss for words,” Prior said. “This is something we dreamed of, something we worked so hard for. We weren’t just playing for ourselves, we played for the people of Zimbabwe, for every Zimbabwean across the world.”
His voice cracked as he paused.
“This is bigger than us. It’s a surreal and emotional moment, being part of the team that brought Zimbabwe back to the World Cup for the first time since 1991. I just hope we made everyone proud.”
It’s clear the belief in the squad runs deeper than just one tournament. Prior spoke of confidence, not complacency, of process and purpose.
“Defending our Africa Cup title wasn’t a guarantee, but it gave us belief,” he said. “We knew if we stuck to our plan and played the kind of rugby we’re capable of, we’d give ourselves a chance. And now, here we are.”
Their triumph didn’t go unnoticed. Former Namibian captain Jacque Burger, a warrior of African rugby, offered heartfelt congratulations.
“All the years of heartache, disappointments and hard work have earned you the opportunity to compete at RWC 2027. Congratulations, Zimbabwe.”
