By Kuchineyi Lewis
The Zimbabwe Rugby Union has officially announced the 2025 Sables squad, setting the stage for what could be a monumental campaign to return to the Rugby World Cup after more than three decades.
With a powerful blend of youth and experience, Zimbabwe enters the upcoming Rugby Africa Cup not just as defending champions, but as a nation on the cusp of history.
The Sables, who last graced the global stage in the 1991 Rugby World Cup, will be hoping to finally end a 34-year drought that stretches back to their second and final appearance in the tournament.
Their previous campaigns in 1987 and 1991 were full of grit but ultimately yielded no wins. Still, those early years carved a legacy, with figures like Andy Ferreira and the late Richard Tsimba, Zimbabwe’s first black player to appear in a World Cup, laying the foundation of the nation’s rugby identity.
In 1987, Zimbabwe came agonisingly close to a win against Romania, narrowly losing 21–20 followed by heavier defeats followed against France (70–12) and Scotland (60–21), despite Zimbabwe showing attacking promise.
The 1991 campaign brought similar heartache, with losses to Ireland (55–11), Scotland (51–12), and Japan (52–8), underscoring the lack of international exposure at the time.
Now, in 2025, the Sables are rewriting the script after lifting the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup in Kampala, Zimbabwe returns with a strong core of that championship-winning side.
The squad features key returnees such as Matthew McNab, Jason Fraser, and Lenience Tambwera, while captain Hilton Mudariki leads with calm authority and burning ambition.
“This is a golden ticket opportunity for Zimbabwean rugby. But we’re not getting ahead of ourselves.
“Every game is a final, and we’re approaching it with humility and hunger,” Mudariki said before the team’s departure.
Zimbabwe kicks off their Africa Cup campaign against Morocco on July 8, in a fixture that could secure a semi-final spot and bring them one step closer to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The champion earns direct qualification, while the runner-up gets one final shot through the global repechage.
Head Coach Pieter Benade will rely on a well-rounded technical bench, including seasoned consultant Gert Smal, defence strategist Senna Esterhuizen, and scrum coach Joel Carew.
The squad’s depth, from solid front-rowers like Victor Mpunga to versatile backs like Tapiwa Mafura, makes them serious contenders for a spot among rugby’s elite.
As they board their flight to Uganda at 05:45 hrs on Saturday, July 5, there’s a palpable sense of destiny in the air not by forgetting the past, but by building on it.
Match Fixture Highlights (EAT):
- July 8: Zimbabwe vs Morocco (10:00 AM)
- July 13: Semi-Finals
- July 19: Championship Final
ZIMBABWE SABLES SQUAD – RUGBY AFRICA CUP 2025
Hookers
* Bryan Chiang
* Simbarashe Mandioma
* Liam Larkan
Props
* Victor Mpunga
* Tyran Fagan
* Zvikomborero Chimoto
* Cleopas Kundiona
* Brian Makamure
* Bornwell Gwinji
Second Row
* Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa
* Simbarashe Siraha
* Tadiwanashe Gwashu
* Brian Nyaude
Back Row
* Aiden Burnett
* Dylan Utete
* Jason Fraser
* Godfrey Muzanargwo
* Tinotenda Mavesere
Half Backs
* Hilton Mudariki (Captain)
* Keegan Joubert
* Ian Prior
* Lenience Tambwera
* Tyrone Gombe
Centres
* Brandon Mudzekenyedzi
* Dion Khumalo
* Kudzai Mashawi
Outside Backs
* Trevor Gurwe
* Matthew McNab
* Tapiwa Mafura
* Takudzwa Musingwini
* Edward Sigauke
TECHNICAL TEAM
* Head Coach: Pieter Benade
* Assistant Coaches: Ricky Chirengende
* Consultant: Gert Smal
* Défense Coach: Senna Esterhuizen
* Forwards & Scrum Coach: Joel Carew
* Strength & Conditioning: Ghafoer Luckan
* General Manager: Takunda Chifokoyo
* Team Manager: Tichafara Makwanya
* Team Doctor: Dr. Tapfuma Parirenyatwa
* Team Physiotherapists: Shumirai Tererai, Alice Becker
