Zimbabwe qualifies for Rugby World Cup after win over Namibia

Zimbabwe’s national rugby team, the Sables, has secured a historic qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia following a dramatic 30–28 victory over Namibia in the Rugby Africa Cup final held at Mandela National Stadium in Uganda on Saturday.

This marks Zimbabwe’s first World Cup appearance since 1991 and their third overall, having also competed in the inaugural 1987 tournament.

The win ends a 34-year absence from rugby’s biggest stage and signals a resurgence for Zimbabwean rugby.

The final was a tense, back-and-forth contest.

Tied 16-16 at halftime, Zimbabwe surged ahead with two second half tries from Godfrey Muzanargwo and Brandon Mudzekenyedzi.

Namibia responded with scores from Jay-Cee Nel and Adriaan Booysen, narrowing the gap to just two points with ten minutes remaining.

The result ends Namibia’s streak of seven consecutive World Cup qualifications, dating back to 1999.

Zimbabwe now joins South Africa as Africa’s direct qualifiers for the expanded 24-team tournament.

Namibia, meanwhile, will face the United Arab Emirates in a play-off on 26 July for a spot in the Final Qualification Tournament in Dubai.

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