President Mnangagwa welcomes Rugby Africa President to discuss Zimbabwe’s preparations to Rugby World Cup 2027

A High-Level Meeting at State House

His Excellency Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe, welcomed Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa, to State House for discussions centred on the country’s preparations for the Rugby World Cup 2027.

The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between national leadership and continental rugby authorities to ensure Zimbabwe is fully prepared for one of the world’s biggest sporting tournaments. With the competition set to be hosted in Australia, the discussions highlighted the importance of planning, investment and structural development to enable Zimbabwe to compete at the highest level of international rugby.

Organised by the Zimbabwe Rugby Union, the engagement underscored the shared commitment of government, sporting institutions and international partners to elevate Zimbabwean rugby.

Zimbabwe’s Historic Return to the World Stage

After an absence of 34 years, Zimbabwe will once again compete at the Rugby World Cup. The national team, the Zimbabwe Sables, secured their place at the 2027 tournament after winning the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup in Kampala.

The victory marked a historic moment for the nation, confirming Zimbabwe as the only African team to qualify through the regional competition. Meanwhile, the reigning world champions, the South Africa national rugby union team, automatically qualified for the tournament as defending champions.

Zimbabwe’s qualification has reignited excitement across the country, symbolising a resurgence of rugby and a renewed sense of national pride.

Herbert Mensah Praises Government Commitment

Speaking after the meeting, Herbert Mensah praised the Zimbabwean government’s commitment to the development of rugby and its support for the national team.

“I had the honour of meeting His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa today, and what stood out to me is how much the government here truly cares about the Zimbabwe Sables and the future of rugby in Zimbabwe,” Mensah said.

He noted that such leadership support plays a critical role in empowering athletes and strengthening the structures needed for success on the international stage. Mensah emphasised that the Sables’ qualification belongs not only to the players but to the entire nation, describing it as a moment of pride for every Zimbabwean.

Building Structures for Success

Mensah reiterated Rugby Africa’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe as it builds momentum in preparation for the global tournament. This includes strengthening leadership structures, improving training and preparation systems, and supporting the continued dedication of players and technical staff.

He also highlighted the importance of sustained investment in rugby development and suggested that Zimbabwe could host more continental tournaments in the future. Such initiatives would further strengthen the country’s rugby ecosystem while boosting exposure for African rugby.

The Role of Government in Rugby Development

The meeting also explored the broader role governments can play in growing the sport. Beyond infrastructure development, discussions focused on youth development programmes, high-performance training systems and competitive pathways for emerging players.

Also present at the meeting were Steph Nel and David Gilbert, both of whom contribute to strengthening rugby systems across the continent.

Their presence reinforced the importance of technical expertise and strategic partnerships in building sustainable rugby structures across Africa.

A Nation United Behind the Sables

Zimbabwe’s qualification for the Rugby World Cup reflects the combined efforts of government, administrators, players and supporters. The achievement signals a renewed chapter for rugby in the country, as the Sables prepare to represent Zimbabwe on the global stage.

As the countdown to the Rugby World Cup 2027 begins, Zimbabwe is positioning itself to compete with the world’s best teams, including the formidable South African Springboks — the only nation in history to have won the Rugby World Cup four times.

For Zimbabwe, the journey to Australia is more than just participation; it is a statement of resilience, unity and the rising strength of African rugby.