Zimbabwe has set its sights on building a lasting future for rugby beyond the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with the government, World Rugby, Rugby Africa and the Zimbabwe Rugby Union pledging to use the country’s return to the global stage as a springboard for growth from grassroots to elite level.
The Zimbabwe Sables ended a 36-year wait for a Rugby World Cup appearance after defeating Namibia 30-28 in the Rugby Africa Cup final in Kampala, Uganda, securing their place at the expanded 24-team Men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027.
It will be Zimbabwe’s first appearance at the global showpiece since 1991.
The country’s plans for rugby beyond the tournament were discussed during high-level bilateral talks involving World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson, Rugby Africa president Herbert Mensah and Zimbabwe’s Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe.
Organised by the Zimbabwe Rugby Union, the meeting formally recognised the Sables’ qualification while also focusing on the wider issues expected to shape the game’s future, including governance, high-performance planning, grassroots development and Rugby Sevens.
The delegation reviewed the Sables’ competition and preparation programme, including their integration into World Rugby’s expanded international competition pathway and the upcoming November 2026 Nations Cup fixtures.
Rugby Sevens was also identified as an important development pathway, particularly with an eye on the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
Rugby Africa said it would continue working with the Zimbabwe Rugby Union to support governance continuity and help the country take full advantage of the opportunities created by its return to the World Cup.
Sanyatwe said reforms within the Zimbabwe Rugby Union had helped restore institutional stability and reiterated the government’s backing for the national team as it prepares for the road to Australia.
Robinson said Zimbabwe’s qualification should be viewed as an opportunity to create a longer-term legacy for the sport.
“Zimbabwe’s return to the Rugby World Cup in 2027 is incredibly important, but equally important is the legacy we can create for rugby in this country beyond 2027,” Robinson said.
“We want to continue to invest alongside the Zimbabwe Rugby Union and the Government of Zimbabwe in the future of the sport. Ultimately, our aspiration is to change the lives of young men and women through our sport.”
Mensah struck a similar tone, warning against treating World Cup qualification as the final destination.
“Zimbabwe’s qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup is a great achievement, but we must see 2027 as the beginning, not the destination,” Mensah said.
“With strong leadership, government support and the right structures in place, we can build on this momentum and create opportunities that will continue well beyond 2027.”
The World Rugby delegation also included Chief of International Federation David Carrigy and Dave Gilbert, an adviser to the Rugby Africa president and former Botswana Rugby Union president. Zimbabwe Rugby Union was represented by Interim Management Committee chair Paddy Zhanda and general manager Takunda Chifokoyo.
For Zimbabwe, the message from the meeting was clear: qualification for Australia 2027 is not simply a reward for the Sables’ dramatic win over Namibia, but a chance to rebuild and expand the game for the next generation.
