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Rugby World Cup outsiders hire Exeter legend ahead of tournament return
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World Ranking
Zimbabwe are currently 25th in the World Rugby Rankings. Their highest ever ranking was 24th in June 2026.
Ranking Over Time
Date {{date}}
Rank # {{rank}}
Points {{points}}
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Zimbabwe Matches
Sat 18 Jul, 2026
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Canada
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Zimbabwe
Princess Auto Stadium
Sat 24 Oct, 2026
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Zimbabwe
![Namibia]()
Namibia
TBD
Sat 7 Nov, 2026
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Zimbabwe
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Samoa
DIY Kitchens Stadium
Zimbabwe Rugby Team Players
Zimbabwe Tournaments
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International
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World Rugby Nations Cup
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.
Canada 
