By Tendai Chisiri
Harare – The Government of Zimbabwe, World Rugby and Rugby Africa have pledged to work together to build a lasting legacy for rugby in Zimbabwe following the Sables’ qualification for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.
This came out during high-level talks held in Harare on August 24, 2026 between Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe and visiting World Rugby Chairman Brett Robinson and Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah.
The meeting, organized by the Zimbabwe Rugby Union, formally acknowledged Zimbabwe’s return to the Rugby World Cup for the first time since 1991. It also focused on governance stability, high-performance planning and grassroots development.
Minister Sanyatwe was joined by Deputy Minister Hon. Emily Jesaya and Dr. Biggie Samwanda from the Arts and Culture Directorate. The Zimbabwe Rugby Union was represented by Interim Management Committee Chair Paddy Zhanda and General Manager Takunda Chifokoyo.
Commending World Rugby’s support, Minister Sanyatwe said governance reforms within the Zimbabwe Rugby Union had restored institutional stability. He affirmed government’s full backing for the national team as they prepare for fixtures in Australia.
World Rugby Chairman Robinson said Zimbabwe’s qualification was “incredibly important” but stressed the need to build beyond the tournament.
“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 applaud the governance structures that have been introduced, and it is very important that we see continuity. 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.”
Rugby Africa President Mensah echoed the call for long-term planning.
“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 delegation reviewed the Sables’ competition and preparation programme, including integration into World Rugby’s expanded international competition pathway and upcoming November 2026 Nations Cup fixtures.
Discussions also centred on expanding grassroots participation and elevating Rugby Sevens as a key development vehicle ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
Rugby Africa committed to continue working closely with the Zimbabwe Rugby Union to support governance continuity and position the country to maximize opportunities from its World Cup return.
The World Rugby delegation also included Chief of International Federation David Carrigy and Dave Gilbert, Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa and former President of Botswana Rugby Union.
To commemorate the milestone, Robinson presented Minister Sanyatwe and Deputy Minister Jesaya with an official World Rugby ceremonial salver and the official Rugby World Cup 2027 match ball featuring Australian Indigenous artwork.
The bilateral engagement underlined what officials called a “shared commitment” by the Government of Zimbabwe, World Rugby, Rugby Africa and the Zimbabwe Rugby Union to strengthen the game from grassroots to elite level.
Zimbabwe’s qualification marks the end of a 36-year wait for the Sables to return to rugby’s global showpiece.
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