Zimbabwe’s national rugby team, the Sables, pulled off a stunning 30-28 victory over Namibia in the Africa Cup final on Saturday to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup — their first appearance in the tournament in over three decades.
The hard-fought win marks Zimbabwe’s return to the global stage for the first time since 1991, making them only the second African nation, after reigning world champions South Africa, to book a place in the 24-team tournament scheduled to take place in Australia.
Zimbabwe becomes just the third African team to qualify for the Rugby World Cup in the professional era. Namibia, which had competed in the last seven World Cups, will now have another shot at qualification as Africa’s runner-up.
The team will face the United Arab Emirates — runners-up in Asia — in Uganda next Saturday. The winner will advance to the final global qualification tournament.
Zimbabwe appeared to be cruising with a 30-16 lead with 20 minutes remaining, but Namibia mounted a fierce comeback, scoring two late tries to narrow the gap.
A missed penalty from halfway in the dying seconds sealed their fate, handing Zimbabwe only their fourth win over Namibia in 35 meetings.
The historic victory sends a strong signal about Zimbabwe’s resurgence in African rugby.
