Zimbabwe return to Rugby World Cup after 34 years with thrilling win over Namibia

Zimbabwe have qualified for the Rugby World Cup for the first time since 1991 after edging Namibia 30-28 in a dramatic Rugby Africa Men’s Cup final held at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.

The Sables, who successfully defended the title they won at the same venue last year, held off a spirited Namibian fightback to book their ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

“This is just the beginning,” said Player of the Match Godfrey Muzanargwo. “The work starts now. We’re not going to the World Cup just to participate we want to compete and put Zimbabwe back on the global rugby map,” as seen by world rugby.

The final was a tense, hard-fought battle with both sides exchanging tries, penalties, and even yellow cards. Namibia’s Cliven Loubser and Zimbabwe’s Ian Prior opened the scoring with early penalties before Zimbabwe broke through with a well-executed set-piece move finished by centre Kudzai Mashawi.

Namibia responded after Zimbabwe extended their lead through another penalty. When Zimbabwe’s Jason Fraser was yellow-carded for a deliberate knock-on, Namibia took full advantage, with captain Prince Gaoseb crossing the line and Loubser adding the extras to level the score at 16-16 by halftime.

Zimbabwe surged ahead again early in the second half through Muzanargwo, who powered over after sustained pressure near the Namibian try line. Despite a late charge from Namibia, Zimbabwe held on to secure the historic win.

This will be Zimbabwe’s third appearance at the Rugby World Cup, having previously featured in 1987 and 1991. In their last outing 34 years ago, they lost all three group matches to Ireland, Scotland, and Japan.

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