After 36 long years, Zimbabwe’s national rugby team, the Sables, has booked its ticket to the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia. This marks a hard-won return for a nation with a rich, yet often troubled, rugby heritage. The qualification wasn’t a sudden stroke of luck, but the culmination of strategic shifts, dedicated individuals, and a relentless fight against persistent challenges.

A Storied Past, A Steep Decline

Rugby in Zimbabwe traces its roots back to the late 19th century, introduced by British settlers. The Rhodesian Rugby Football Union formed in 1895, making the sport an integral part of the country’s sporting landscape. For decades, Rhodesia was a formidable opponent, regularly facing modern Tier One nations. Famously, in 1949, a Rhodesian team beat a touring All Blacks side 10-8 in Bulawayo, a feat even Scotland has only dreamed of. This victory, however, carried the dark stain of the time: the All Blacks were barred from fielding Māori players due to Rhodesia’s racial laws. Rhodesia also regularly hosted the British & Irish Lions and competed as a province in South Africa’s Currie Cup.

The newly independent Zimbabwe received an invitation to the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987, benefiting from South Africa’s apartheid ban. They qualified again in 1991. But after that, the good times faded. The country descended into a period of steep decline, marked by worsening political and economic situations. Player development suffered, and the national team plummeted to near the bottom of Rugby Africa rankings, even losing to Madagascar in 2004.

The administrative and financial landscape was equally bleak. Ian Smith’s government had actively discouraged black participation in the 1960s, leading to budget cuts and segregation, which undermined education and caused overall participation to plummet. Later, the country’s decision to sever sporting ties with apartheid South Africa, while understandable, meant losing their place in the Currie Cup – a vital platform for professional development. The largest sponsor of rugby in Africa, Kwese, went bankrupt.

This grim reality led to a significant player drain. Talented Zimbabwean-born players consistently sought opportunities elsewhere due to the lack of a professional structure and viable income at home. Many moved to South Africa for university or to play in the Currie Cup, eventually joining Springbok teams. Others pursued careers in Europe or Australia. The list of these expatriate stars is long and distinguished, including David Pocock (Australia), Tendai “The Beast” Mtawarira, Brian Mujati, Gary Teichmann, and Bobby Skinstad (all South Africa), as well as Don Armand (England), Takudzwa Ngwenya (USA), Sebastian Negri (Italy), and Dave Denton (Scotland).

The Resurgence: A Plan, People, and Persistence

A brief revival saw the Sables win the Africa Cup in 2012, but it was a false dawn. The true turning point began more recently, initiated in the boardroom with strong voices demanding a return to seriousness and World Cup qualification. New Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) president Losson Mtongwiza, elected recently, has emphasized bolstering grassroots development and training a thousand new coaches annually. The ZRU also plans to appoint a director of rugby and implement a high-performance plan, including agreements with two South African franchises for yearly player tours.

Crucially, corporate sponsorship returned. Financial institutions like Nedbank, fintech company Mukuru, and mining giant Zerttew Resources stepped in. This support, combined with a management that prioritized developing the game over personal gain, contrasted sharply with issues seen in other regional unions.

Under the guidance of former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers and, more recently, current head coach Peter Bernardi, a comprehensive plan was put into action. The team built an incredible unbeaten run, securing 13 straight victories in test rugby. This strategy paid off in the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup. Zimbabwe clinched an emphatic 29-3 victory over Algeria, ending a 12-year title drought. The real test came in the semi-finals against Namibia, a regional powerhouse they hadn’t beaten in 23 years. The Sables won, building significant confidence.

The final against Namibia was an “absolute thriller”. Zimbabwe held on for a narrow 30-28 victory, overcoming their oldest African rivals and securing the continent’s only automatic qualification spot for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Flyhalf Ian Prior, named MVP of the tournament, contributed 52 points in just three games. This historic win has boosted Zimbabwe’s World Rugby ranking to 28th, their highest in nearly a decade.

The Rugby Landscape Today: Passion Amidst Challenges

Despite the economic hardships, rugby enjoys a dedicated following in Zimbabwe, ranking after association football and cricket in popularity. There are 17 registered clubs. Pockets of intense support exist in Harare and the Mashonaland East region, particularly around high-quality boarding schools in Marondera. Rugby sevens tournaments consistently attract sell-out crowds. The recent qualification sparked widespread jubilation, with fans in tears and at the airport to welcome the team home, showcasing the deep love for the sport.

Zimbabwe’s schools rugby program is strong, producing a disproportionate number of talented players. Institutions like Prince Edward School, Peterhouse Boys’ School, St. George’s College, and St. John’s College are renowned for developing rugby talent. However, the “blackhole” after high school remains a critical issue. The club game is largely amateur, and facilities are often inadequate. Many talented private school players either leave the country for university or cease playing, leaving government schools as the primary feeder for the national team.

Financially, playing rugby in Zimbabwe doesn’t offer the same rewards as professional leagues abroad. Average salaries in the ZRU National Rugby League range from USD 200 to USD 1,000 per month, with the highest-paid players earning up to USD 3,000 monthly, typically at top clubs with significant sponsorships. Players often rely on other employment to supplement their rugby careers. This continuous financial disparity perpetuates the player drain.

Eyes on 2027 and Beyond

Zimbabwe now joins reigning world champions South Africa as the second African nation to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Their ambition extends beyond mere participation; they aim to compete fiercely and secure a World Cup win – a first for an African team outside of South Africa.

A crucial development for their preparations is the Rugby Nations Championship in 2026. Having won the Africa Cup, Zimbabwe has qualified for the second tier of this competition, providing regular tests against teams like Georgia, Samoa, Tonga, Uruguay, and Chile. This consistent exposure to higher-intensity rugby is vital for their adaptation and development.

Head coach Peter Bernardi emphasized the team’s reliance on their athletic and fast DNA, while working hard to strengthen set pieces and cope with the demands of test rugby. The team boasts a backline with flare and creative players, complemented by loose forwards who can run with the ball. Figures like center Kudzai Mashawi, a “wrecking ball” with immense physicality, and the speedy winger Edward Sigauke, highlight their talent. Captain Hilton Mudariki embodies their fighting spirit, leading by example on and off the field.

The goal for Zimbabwean rugby is clear: not just a once-off qualification, but to become a consistent presence on the global stage, aiming to be Africa’s number two team. This redemption story is a testament to the resilience and spirit of those committed to the game, a narrative of hard-won progress against the odds.