‘A Good Way to Lay Down a Marker’: History Beckons as Sables Depart for Maiden Nations Cup Campaign in the US
Zimbabwe open their campaign against Tonga this Saturday, July 4th. (Fixtures and streaming information below)
DENVER, Colorado – Zimbabwe are now in the United States for the first leg of their campaign in the newly launched World Rugby Nations Cup, where they will face three stern tests against the hosts, Tonga and Canada.
The Nations Cup, a second-tier international competition, is expected to be fiercely contested, with all four participating teams set to feature at the next Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027.
For Zimbabwe, these are particularly exciting times. The Southern African nation will return to the World Cup for the first time since 1991, marking a significant milestone in the team’s resurgence.
The Sables are back to full strength for the US tour following their 40-0 loss to a South Africa ‘A’ side in Gqeberha last weekend.
They have travelled with the bulk of the squad that won back-to-back Rugby Africa Cup titles in Uganda in 2024 and 2025, hoping that continuity and team chemistry will stand them in good stead in the Nations Cup and in their build-up to the World Cup.
Of the 30-man squad that flew out of Harare last Saturday, only four players – forwards Tjde Visser, Michael Kumbirai, Gary Porter and Farai Mudariki – were not part of the Sables teams crowned African champions in Kampala over the past two years.
Among the notable players returning to the fold are ace flyhalf Ian Prior, the Player of the Tournament in last year’s World Cup qualification campaign, and prop Cleopas Kundiona, who recently won the Gallagher Premiership title with Northampton Saints in England.
“I think the squad is fairly balanced – some experience, some youth, some flair players, some grafters. There is a good mix of guys there,” Sables team manager Tichafara Makwanya told Rugby Africa Media on Saturday.
“Generally, it’s just a group of really nice people, nice guys off the park. Guys you’d like to hang around with, guys who are doing well in life, inspiring their communities and their families. So we’ve got a good mix that should do well.”
Zimbabwe open their campaign against Tonga this coming Saturday before taking on the United States on 11 July and concluding against Canada on 18 July.
All three opponents are ranked above Zimbabwe in the World Rugby standings, and it will be the first time the Sables face the US and Canada at senior Test level.
The Sables have played Tonga only once before, losing 42-13 in Harare during the Pacific islanders’ tour of Africa in 1997.
Former Zimbabwe vice-captain Makwanya, one of the most-capped players in Sables history, said exploring new territory is a challenge the team is eagerly embracing.
“It’s a good way to lay down a marker because there is not much history between us and the other teams. It’s probably just the rankings that separate us,” said the former Sables flyhalf.
“It will be down to the performances on the next few Saturdays. It’s also good exposure and testament to the great work that has been done in the last couple of years.
“It’s an opportunity for the players to show the world what the Sables can do and make Zimbabwe proud.
“I think we have set standards as a team and also values around honest work, hard work, and being the best version of yourself. Basically, that’s all we want to see over the next three games.
“And I’m sure if every player can be the best version of himself, we should see three good results and three victories. We are totally looking forward to it and seeing how things go.”
Zimbabwe Squad
Forwards: Victor Mupunga, Tjde Visser, Simba Mandioma, Liam Larkan, Bryan Chiang, Cleopas Kundiona, Farai Mudariki, Michael Kumbirai, Gary Porter, Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Tinotenda Mavesere, Dylan Utete, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Simbarashe Siraha, Jason Fraser, Aiden Burnett, Bornwell Gwinji.
Backs: Tyrone Gombe, Hilton Mudariki, Keegan Joubert, Ian Prior, Bruce Houston, Edward Sigauke, Kudzai Mashawi, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Dion Khumalo, Trevor Gurwe, Matthew McNab, Tapiwa Mafura.
Non-travelling reserves: Takudzwa Musingwini, Tatenda Kumubvumbi, Jason Robertson.
More information: Click Here
Where to watch?
Rugby Pass TV:
Saturday 4 July 2026 (GMT)
- 10:15 – Tonga vs Zimbabwe
Saturday 11 July 2026 (GMT
- 11:30 – USA vs Zimbabwe
Sunday 19 July 2026 (GMT)
- 12:00 – Canada vs Zimbabwe
Written by Enock Muchinjo
