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Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwe rugby team, nicknamed the Sables, compete in the Africa Cup and the World Rugby Nations Cup. They’ve played at two Rugby World Cups. 

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World Ranking

Zimbabwe are currently 24th in the World Rugby Rankings. This is currently their highest ranking they have had.

Ranking Over Time

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Rank # {{rank}}
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2003
2015
2026

Zimbabwe Matches

Sat 20 Jun, 2026
Rugby Union Hybrid Friendlies
Round 1
South Africa A South Africa A
Round 1
40
-
0
FT
Zimbabwe Zimbabwe
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Sat 4 Jul, 2026
Round 1
Dick's Sporting Goods Park
Sat 11 Jul, 2026
Round 2
American Legion Memorial Stadium

Zimbabwe Rugby Team Players

Zimbabwe Forwards

Name
Position
Farai Mudariki
Farai Mudariki
Prop
Zimbabwe
Matthew Simba Mandioma
Hooker
Zimbabwe
Michael Kumbirai
Prop
Zimbabwe
Dale Lemon
Lock
Gary Porter
Gary Porter
Lock
Zimbabwe
Simba Siraha
Lock
Zimbabwe
Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa
Lock
Zimbabwe
Tinotenda Mavesere
Back Row
Zimbabwe
Daniel Cooke
Back Row
Zimbabwe
Dylan Utete
Back Row
Zimbabwe
Tadiwanashe Gwashu
Back Row
Zimbabwe
Aiden Burnett
Back Row
Zimbabwe
Victor Mupunga
Zimbabwe
Tijde Visser
Zimbabwe
Bornwell Gwinji
Zimbabwe
Brandon Mudzekenyedzi

Zimbabwe Backs

Name
Position
Zimbabwe
Hilton Mudariki
Scrum Half
Zimbabwe
Bruce Houston
Outside Back
Zimbabwe
Edward Sigauke
Outside Back
Zimbabwe
Tatenda Kamubvumbi
Outside Back
Zimbabwe
Trevor Gurwe
Outside Back
Zimbabwe
Kudzai Mashawi
Centre
Zimbabwe
Dion Khumalo
Centre
Zimbabwe
Liam Larkan
Outside Back
Zimbabwe
Keegan Joubert
Outside Back
Tapiwa Mafura
Tapiwa Mafura
Outside Back

Zimbabwe Tournaments

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe Rugby Team

The history of the Zimbabwe rugby team dates back to 1910, when the team was known as Southern Rhodesia. 

However, the modern era of Zimbabwe rugby began in 1980, when the Rhodesia Rugby Football Union was renamed the Zimbabwe Rugby Union. 

Following their first official match as Zimbabwe in 1981, which was a 34-24 victory over Kenya, the Zimbabwean team experienced a good amount of success. Ever since, they’ve largely been viewed as a strong developmental side. That said, they are now firmly establishing themselves as one of Africa’s best. 

Zimbabwe’s success on the international stage comes in spite of the fact that the country has lost much of its rugby talent to other countries over the years. For example, Tendai Mtawarira and Bob Skinstad were both born in Zimbabwe but elected to represent South Africa at international level. 

The team currently competes in the Africa Cup, which they’ve won three times (2012, 2024 and 2025). In addition, they’re appeared at two Rugby World Cups (1987 and 1991) and have qualified for the 2027 edition of the tournament. 

FAQs

When was the Zimbabwe rugby team founded?

Zimbabwe played in their first international as Southern Rhodesia in 1910. Here, they faced a touring British Lions team, losing 11-24. 

However, the side played in their first official match as Zimbabwe in 1981. They defeated Kenya 24-34 in Nairobi. 

What is the Zimbabwe rugby team’s biggest win?

The Zimbabwe rugby team’s biggest win came in 1996. The team defeated Botswana 130-10 in Harare. 

What is the Zimbabwe rugby team’s biggest defeat?

The Zimbabwe rugby team’s biggest defeat came in 2015. They were beaten 80-6 by Namibia in Windhoek. 

Have Zimbabwe ever appeared at the Rugby World Cup?

Zimbabwe have appeared at two editions of the Rugby World Cup: 1987 and 1991. They’ve also qualified for the 2027 tournament. 

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