Stormers lock Gary Porter focused on making history with Zimbabwe

Over the last 14 months, Zimbabwe has experienced a journey of euphoria and celebration, with the Sables securing qualification for the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup, their first appearance since 1991, while also facing off against South Africa ‘A’ and playing in the inaugural Nations Cup.

In what is undoubtedly a new era for the Southern African nation, it is also the start of a new chapter for players like Gary Porter. The Stormers lock came close to making his Test match debut in 2025, but he had to wait until June 2026 to finally wear the colours of Zimbabwe.

“June 2026 was my first camp, and it was an incredible experience, especially because we were going to face South Africa ‘A’ later that week. I know it wasn’t an official cap, but facing several familiar faces was a special way to start my rugby journey with Zimbabwe,” he said.

Because of club commitments and the fact he was recovering from an injury, Porter couldn’t help Zimbabwe earn their qualification for Australia 2027 through the Rugby Africa Cup, though he lived it just as intensely from home.

“It was pretty nerve-wracking, even if I wasn’t there. It was tough watching from the sidelines, but I was ecstatic when they pulled it off, so I messaged a few of the coaches to congratulate them on what they had just accomplished.”

However, a new opportunity arose in June with the lock taking on a prominent role in the team led by Pieter Benade. Porter started all three Nations Cup matches in July, adding more threat and layers to the Sables set-piece.

“I tried to bring everything that I have learnt from the Stormers and Ealing. I think they looked to me to bring composure and experience in the set-piece. But I didn’t join only with the idea of adding; I wanted to learn as well, as the team was doing well in that area.”

Despite his immense playing experience and the expectations around him, Porter echoes fly-half Ian Prior’s view that the Zimbabwe camp has an untapped pool of talent that deserves attention.

“There is always an expectation when someone who plays in the URC or in another high-level competition joins the squad. It’s a kind of pressure that you have to get used to. That said, several of my national team teammates could be playing in the world’s top leagues. A huge pool of talent deserves more recognition.”

In July, they faced the United States and Canada for the first time, and Tonga only for the second; Zimbabwe competed fiercely and pushed each match to the final moments, coming within a single try of defeating Canada.

In Porter’s view, the Nations Cup gave the team a faster path to progress and pushed them closer to their best selves ahead of next year’s World Cup.

“The Nations Cup was definitely a learning curve for a lot of us, as it was the first time we played against some of those nations.

“We were looking to push our rivals, and I think we did that, even though we didn’t bank a win. It was a massive step in the right direction, with good learnings for everyone, which will carry into November.”

For the lock, one of the main highlights from July was how well the team was supported from the stands, with thousands of fans following them and carrying them on their shoulders, a sign that Zimbabwe is much bigger than anyone thinks.

“I was blown away by the amount of Zimbabwe supporters in the stands across our Nations Cup games in North America. It was an amazing scene, and I am sure that will be very much the same when we play in Wakefield and Ealing.”

Zimbabwe will tour England in the two opening games of November’s Nations Cup, facing Tonga in Wakefield and Uruguay in Ealing, a corner of the world familiar to the lock.

“I played a couple of seasons for them, and I still have quite a few mates playing there, so yes, it is going to be great to be back in a place that I felt at home in. I haven’t been back since I left, and hopefully the stands will be packed as usual, giving the players a great vibe.”

The Champ side played a crucial role in Porter’s life, opening the door to professional rugby before the South African-born joined the Stormers in 2022.

“When Ealing came knocking, I felt I wanted to experience a different type of rugby. European clubs have a different brand than South African sides, and I wanted to be exposed to it. Representing Ealing definitely helped propel my career, and I am very thankful to them.”

Although he was born in Durban, the lock moved to Cape Town in 2015, represented the Ikey Tigers from 2016 to 2021, and had a short stint with Western Province in 2018. In 2022, the Stormers signed him, and despite some injury challenges, the lock seems back to his best.

“I had a few long-term injuries in the past five/six years, so my goal right now is to stay fit, play as many games as I can and be ready for selection. Opportunities will come, and I have to seize them when they show up.”

After collecting 11 points from their opening URC matches and climbing to fourth, the Stormers look reinvigorated and ready to mount a genuine title challenge, and the lock shared his honest assessment of whether they can reach the silverware again.

“I definitely think we can win the URC again.” states Porter.

“We have started the season decently well and have signed more than a few big names like Siya [Kolisi], Cheslin [Kolbe], and others who will add so much to the campaign, in and out of the field. That valuable experience will be pivotal for us moving forward. I feel we have the power to pull through this year.”

Although Porter’s focus is currently on the Stormers, the lock admits his teammates have shown interest in Zimbabwe and the neighbouring nation’s future.

“A lot of the guys asked about it and were intrigued by how the setup was run and what the experience was like playing for Zimbabwe. I feel most of them now support Zimbabwe as a second team. Being under the spotlight has been amazing for the team and country.”

As the Nations Cup enters its second act, the Stormers’ operator insists the squad is fully focused on making the coming month a successful one and continuing to write its name into the history books.

“At the moment, the goal is to target all three games. As we get closer to the camps, I think the messaging will focus on that goal. We have learned a lot from July, and we want to take a step higher on the ladder.”

With the World Cup still on the horizon, the second-rower is focused on continuing his country’s rise, winning over new supporters, helping more players reach the elite stage, and paving the way for others to succeed.

“It’s an absolute honour representing Zimbabwe and the Sables. I have only respect and pride to be playing for Zimbabwe, even if I wasn’t involved in the qualification race.

“We all just want to leave the jersey in a better place, because that’s the end goal. It isn’t about us being here now; it is about leaving a legacy and giving others an even better platform to excel.”