Rugby Writer
Zimbabwe’s national rugby team, the Sables, have secured qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup after edging past Namibia 30-28 in a dramatic Rugby Africa Cup final held at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Uganda.
The narrow victory marks a historic moment for Zimbabwean rugby, ending a 34-year wait to return to the global stage. The last time the Sables featured at the Rugby World Cup was in 1991.
Sunday’s win also saw Zimbabwe successfully defend the continental title they claimed last year, taking their total Rugby Africa Cup titles to three, following earlier triumphs in 2012 and 2024.
For Namibia, the result was a bitter blow. The southern African side had qualified for every World Cup since 1999 and were favourites going into the final.
But it was Zimbabwe who held their nerve in a pulsating contest, clinching both the trophy and the coveted place at the 2027 tournament in Australia.
