Uncertainty Surrounds Proposed Zimbabwe Sables Rugby Match With South Africa A
Plans for a proposed match between the Zimbabwe national rugby union team and South Africa A national rugby union team in June appear uncertain.
Sources say the fixture has not yet been formally approved despite recent public remarks suggesting it would go ahead.
Also Read: Zimbabwe Sables Receive Vehicle Sponsorship Ahead of Australia 2027 World Cup
Mensah Announces Proposed Fixture
The news was initially revealed by Herbert Mensah, president of Rugby Africa, who said the Sables would play the South African side as a curtain-raiser before the South Africa national rugby union team face the Barbarians rugby team on 20 June at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Mensah revealed the potential encounter while speaking ahead of a presentation to Emmerson Mnangagwa, describing it as a historic opportunity for Zimbabwean rugby.
“I have wonderful announcements to make. The fact that before the South African Barbarians match in June, the Sables will be playing a South African A team in South Africa. It has never happened before.
“The fact that we’ve been able to negotiate for Zimbabwe’s home matches to be in England has never happened before. Yes, maybe it should have been in Africa, but there’s a revenue base that might make sense for us playing with a huge Zimbabwean population in Europe at the same time.
“And I’m really hoping that this becomes the rebirth, the beginning,” he said in an interview with RugbyWireZw.
Concerns Over Timing and Player Availability
According to Planet Rugby, despite the announcement, sources say there is hesitation within the Zimbabwe Rugby Union board and coaching staff about the viability of the match.
One of the key concerns is that the proposed game would fall outside the official international window, meaning the Sables would likely have to field a squad made up almost entirely of locally based players.
Convincing overseas clubs to release Zimbabwean players earlier than required under World Rugby Regulation Nine could prove difficult and potentially expensive.
Bringing players into camp early would also increase operational costs for the union, potentially outweighing any financial benefit gained from participating in the fixture.
Alternative Dates Could Be Considered
Sources indicate there may be greater interest in staging the match later in the year when more players would be available.
A possible window around August or September has reportedly been suggested, as it would allow the Sables to assemble a stronger squad that includes their overseas-based stars.
Under the current June proposal, however, some within the union believe the match offers limited benefits for both sides.
World Cup Qualification Raises Expectations
Zimbabwean rugby has experienced renewed momentum following the Sables’ qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The team secured its place at the global tournament by defeating Namibia national rugby union team in the final of the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, ending a 36-year absence from the competition since their last appearance in 1991.
The qualification has generated fresh excitement around the sport in Zimbabwe, with calls for more high-level matches to prepare the squad for the global stage.
Overseas Talent Key to Sables’ Strength
While Zimbabwe has a strong pool of domestic players, several key members of the national side play professionally abroad.
These include Tino Mavesere, Cleopas Kundiona, Victor Mupunga, Jason Fraser, Edward Sigauke, Tapiwa Mafura, and Matt McNab, all of whom started in the decisive victory over Namibia.
Their availability would be crucial for any major international fixture as Zimbabwe begins preparations for the 2027 tournament.
For now, however, the proposed June clash against South Africa A remains uncertain as discussions continue behind the scenes.
Flipcash is Your Trusted PayPal & Crypto Exchange Partner in Zimbabwe — WhatsApp +263 77 163 9263
The post Zimbabwe Rugby Yet to Confirm Sables’ Proposed Match Against South Africa A appeared first on iHarare News.
