Zimbabwe return to the Rugby World Cup after 36 years
The Sables join world champions South Africa at the first 24-team tournament in Australia.
Key points
- Zimbabwe qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia by beating Namibia 30-28 in the Rugby Africa Cup final, their first World Cup since 1991.
- They join reigning world champions South Africa as Africa’s confirmed representatives.
- The 2027 tournament, from 1 October to 13 November, will be the first with 24 teams.
Next year, Zimbabwe's Sables will play at the Rugby World Cup for the first time since 1991. The 2027 Rugby World Cup takes place in Australia from 1 October to 13 November 2027.
How they qualified
Zimbabwe booked their place by beating Namibia 30-28 in the final of the Rugby Africa Cup. It ended a wait of more than three decades to return to rugby's biggest stage.
They join South Africa, the reigning world champions, as Africa's confirmed representatives. Namibia, as runners-up, went into the cross-regional qualification route for another chance to reach the tournament.
A bigger tournament
The 2027 World Cup will be the first with 24 teams, up from 20, giving more nations a chance to compete at the top level.
Why it matters
For Zimbabwe, qualification is a chance to rebuild the profile of a sport with deep roots in the country. For African rugby, it means two teams in Australia, alongside a record year for African football at the men's World Cup.
Sources
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