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Zimbabwe has secured a spot in the Rugby World Cup for the first time since 1991 after defeating Namibia 30-28 in the final of the Rugby Africa Cup in Kampala. This qualification means they will join 24 teams at the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
This will mark their third appearance at the tournament, having previously participated as Africa’s representative in the first World Cup held in 1987.
The Sables entered Saturday’s final as the reigning Rugby Africa Cup champions after overcoming Namibia in last year’s semi-finals.
The score was tied at 16-16 at halftime, but Godfrey Muzanargwo and Brandon Mudzekenyedzi seemed to have given Zimbabwe a strong lead with tries early in the second half.
Jay-Cee Nel and Adriaan Booysen then scored for Namibia, a team led by former Saracens back row Jacques Burger, narrowing the gap to just two points with 10 minutes to go.
However, Burger’s team was unable to find the vital score needed to take the lead, with substitute Tiaan Swanepoel missing a penalty from deep in his half in the 79th minute.
This outcome marks the end of an era for the Welwitschias, who had qualified for the last seven Rugby World Cups, with Ivory Coast being the only other African nation to advance through the continent’s qualifiers in 1995.
While Zimbabwe has now secured their spot alongside the defending champions South Africa, Namibia still has a chance to enter the newly expanded World Cup.
They will play against the United Arab Emirates, the runners-up from the Asia Rugby Men’s Championship, next Saturday in a playoff for the opportunity to participate in the four-team Final Qualification Tournament scheduled to take place in Dubai in November.
