Zimbabwe Qualifies Rugby World Cup 2027 Ending 36-Year Absence

Zimbabwe secured their place in the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia by defeating Namibia 30-28 in the Rugby Africa Cup final held in Kampala, marking their first World Cup appearance since 1991. The victory ended Namibia’s streak of seven consecutive World Cup qualifications and earned Zimbabwe their second consecutive continental title. The match was tightly contested, with Zimbabwe pulling ahead in the second half through tries by Godfrey Muzanargwo and Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, while Namibia battled back but missed a crucial late penalty. Zimbabwe, currently ranked 26th in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings, will join South Africa as the second African nation confirmed for the expanded 24-team tournament. Namibia still has a chance to qualify through an upcoming play-off against the United Arab Emirates, with the winner advancing to a final qualification tournament in Dubai. Zimbabwe aims not just to participate but to be competitive, signaling a resurgence in African rugby.