By Sports Writer
ZIMBABWE’S return to the Rugby World Cup stage sparked a wave of national celebration, with the Sables’ dramatic 30-28 victory over Namibia in the Rugby Africa Cup final drawing praise from across the country.
After 34 years in the wilderness, the Sables are back on the sport’s biggest stage, and the significance of that feat wasn’t lost on Zimbabweans.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa was among the first to salute the team, posting on his official X account:
“Congratulations to the Zimbabwe Sables on qualifying for the 2027 #RugbyWorldCup! #ZimbabweSables #RWC2027.”
The Sports and Recreation Commission followed up with an emphatic tribute:
“HELLO AUSTRALIA! SABLES THROUGH TO WORLD RUGBY CUP,” read their post on X.
“The Zimbabwe Sables beat Namibia 30-28 to retain the Rugby Africa Cup and qualify for the Rugby World Cup 2027. CONGRATULATIONS, SABLES!!!!”
From Olympians to football bodies, the endorsements kept coming. Sprinter Makanakaishe Charamba, bound for the World Athletics Championships, summed up the national mood in one breathless post:
“ZIMBABWEEEEEEEE IS GOING TO THE RUGBY WORLD CUPPPPPP!!!!!”
Even ZIFA, the country’s football authority, weighed in:
“Congratulations to the Zimbabwe National Rugby Team, the Sables, on their qualification for the Rugby World Cup.
You flew the flag with distinction!”
Rugby Afrique, the sport’s continental governing body, captured the broader significance:
“A sweet slice of history!
Zimbabwe celebrates their monumental Rugby Africa Cup triumph and World Cup qualification, 34 years in the making.”
The Sables didn’t just qualify, they reignited national pride.
