Zimbabwe has qualified for the Rugby World Cup for the first time since 1991, after narrowly defeating Namibia 30–28 in a gripping Rugby Africa Cup final in Kampala on Saturday, July 13, 2025. With the victory, the Sables will join 23 other teams at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, marking their third overall appearance at the tournament. Zimbabwe previously competed in the inaugural World Cup in 1987 and again in 1991. The win also cements their second consecutive Rugby Africa Cup title, having beaten Namibia in the 2024 semi-finals.
Saturday’s final was tightly contested. The first half ended 16–16, but Zimbabwe surged ahead early in the second half with tries from Godfrey Muzanargwo and Brandon Mudzekenyedzi. Namibia responded with tries from Jay-Cee Nel and Adriaan Booysen to close the gap to just two points with 10 minutes left. In the dying moments, Namibian substitute Tiaan Swanepoel missed a long-range penalty from inside his own half, allowing Zimbabwe to hold on.
Namibia, coached by former Saracens flanker Jacques Burger, has been a dominant force in African rugby, qualifying for every Rugby World Cup since 1999. Their loss to Zimbabwe marks the end of a seven-tournament streak. They now face a do-or-die play-off against the United Arab Emirates — runners-up in the Asia Rugby Men’s Championship — on July 20. The winner will advance to November’s Final Qualification Tournament in Dubai for one of the last remaining World Cup spots. Zimbabwe’s qualification means they will represent Africa alongside reigning world champions South Africa. Their return is seen as a boost to rugby development across Southern Africa, and their 2027 campaign is expected to build on recent domestic growth in the sport.
