Zimbabwe call up Stormers lock for South Africa A clash

Zimbabwe have included uncapped Stormers lock Gary Porter in their training squad for Saturday’s clash against South Africa A at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Porter, 29, who qualifies for Zimbabwe through his Bulawayo-born mother, has been on the Sables’ radar for some time and has made himself available for the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup on consecutive weekends in July.

Standing two metres tall and weighing 115kg, Porter will give the Zimbabwe’s tight five some extra ballast, as they prepare to face the Bok second string and then Tonga, USA and Canada in the new gloabl tournament.

Porter, who has previously played for Western Province and in the English Championship with Ealing Trailfinders, will be looking to impress and ultimately figure in Zimbabwe’s plans when they make their return to the Rugby Workd Cup after a 26-year absence in Australia next year.

The Zimbabwe Sables training squad is ready to charge as we gear up for the clash against South Africa ‘A’ on 20 June 2026! pic.twitter.com/e4MNNhNbfI

— Zimbabwe Sables 🇿🇼 (@SablesRugbyZW) June 16, 2026

Talking to Zimbabwe sports journalist, Adam Theo, Porter said that head coach Pieter Benade was a key factor in his decision to pin his colours to the Sables’ mast.

“After meeting coach Piet, I already knew the type of team he would run and what the culture would be like,” he said.

“I wanted to play for a coach like Piet and for Zim, but also to play rugby at the highest level on an international stage.

“I think our chances are really strong against the South Africa A team as well as hopefully winning the Nations Cup.”

If selected in the matchday 23, Porter will come up against his Stormers teammate and fellow lock, Ruben van Heerden, who has been named in the South Africa A second row.