Zimbabwe secured Rugby World Cup 2027 qualification after an upset win over Namibia 30-28 in the Rugby Africa Cup final in Kampala, Uganda on Saturday (July 19, 2025). The Sables, the colloquial name for the Zimbabwean national men's rugby team, thus return to the global showpiece for the first time since 1991.
They are the second African side, after world champions South Africa, to qualify directly for the expanded 24-team tournament in Australia. Despite the defeat, Namibia remain in contention via a playoff pathway.
Zimbabwe defeated Namibia 30-28 in a hard-fought battle at Mandela National Stadium. The Sables pulled ahead in the second half with two quick tries. They sealed their spot despite a late Namibian rally and a missed long-range penalty in the dying moments.
African Qualification Pathway Details
The African qualification process for the 2027 World Cup began in July 2024 with 16 teams. The competition narrowed down to an eight-team knockout for the final round. Subsequently, Zimbabwe emerged as the continental champions, securing automatic qualification as 'Africa 1'.
Namibia retain hope. As Africa Cup runners-up, they will face the United Arab Emirates 9UAE), the 'Asia 2' runners-up from the Asian championship. This match offers a chance to make the final qualification tournament – a global play-off which provides a final opportunity for World Cup entry.
Resurgence In Zimbabwean Rugby
Zimbabwe’s qualification gives their rugby programme a notable boost. This victory ends a 36-year drought for the Sables. It signals a resurgence in Zimbabwean rugby. Their undefeated records in two consecutive African tournaments demonstrate this return.
Also, only four wins against Namibia in 35 previous encounters highlight the significance of this upset. Both the nation and the wider African rugby community celebrate this achievement.
In contrast, Namibia have qualified for every World Cup since 1999. But they now face a critical playoff against the UAE. The winners will advance to the final round of global qualifiers. The Zimbabwe vs Namibia match reflects African rugby's growing depth and the increasingly competitive qualification process.
