Zimbabwe Qualifies for Rugby World Cup 2027 as Africa’s New Kings Emerge

Kampala, Uganda – July 20, 2025
By Sports256 Media

The Zimbabwe Sables have officially booked their ticket to the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia, dethroning seven-time qualifiers Namibia with a thrilling 30–28 win in the Rugby Africa Cup final at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.

In what will go down as one of the most seismic shifts in African rugby history, Zimbabwe produced a near-flawless all-round performance, ending Namibia’s long-standing dominance that dates back to 1999.

A New Era for the Sables

The Sables were led by an inspired brace of tries from Kudzai Mashawi, whose steely presence in the midfield was pivotal. Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Zimbabwe’s outside centre, added a sensational breakaway try that had fans on their feet.

But it was veteran flyhalf Ian Prior, at 34 years old, who dictated the tempo of the game with remarkable composure. His 15 points with the boot and calm leadership earned him the Player of the Tournament award.

In the engine room, lock Godfrey Muzanargwo dominated the collisions and set-pieces, deservedly being named Man of the Match.

Namibia, despite tries from captain Prince Goaseb and a late surge, could not find a way past Zimbabwe’s resilient defense.

This marks Zimbabwe’s third Rugby World Cup appearance. The Sables were Africa’s sole representative at the inaugural 1987 tournament (by invitation), and qualified again in 1991. Their long wait for a return is now over.

Meanwhile, Namibia’s journey continues. They remain in Kampala for a repechage play-off against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), runners-up in the 2025 Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship.

Kenya’s Decline Highlighted in Bronze Loss

In the third-place playoff, Kenya Simbas fell 15–5 to Algeria in a bruising and physical contest. Despite having much of the possession, the Simbas struggled to convert territory into points, raising concerns among fans and analysts about the steady decline of Kenyan rugby.

Their lack of clinical edge, especially inside the opposition 22, stood in stark contrast to the disciplined and structured Algerian side, who took their chances and defended with grit.

Uganda Cranes Secure 7th Place in Style

In the relegation clash, Uganda Rugby Cranes bounced back from a slow start to defeat Côte d’Ivoire 38–17, securing 7th place and their spot in next year’s competition.

The Ivorians struck first with an early try, but Uganda responded with a flowing move between Timothy Kisiga and Alex Aturinda, capped off by Aturinda diving over for the try.

Later, Aturinda’s bursting run set up Adrian Kasito for Uganda’s second, giving the Cranes their first lead, which Philip Wokorach duly converted. Although Côte d’Ivoire scored again before halftime, Uganda pulled away in the second half with dominant forward play and sharp attacking execution.

Special credit went to Opio Julius, who earned Man of the Match honors for a commanding display on both sides of the ball.

Final Standings at the Rugby Africa Cup 2025

🥇 Zimbabwe – Qualified for Rugby World Cup 2027
🥈 Namibia – Repechage Play-Off vs UAE
🥉 Algeria – Third Place
4️⃣ Kenya
5️⃣ Senegal
6️⃣ Morocco
7️⃣ Uganda
8️⃣ Côte d’Ivoire