Zimbabwe qualify for Rugby World Cup after 34 years
Zimbabwe qualified for the Rugby World Cup for the first time since 1991 as they held on for a 30-28 victory over Namibia in the Rugby Africa Cup final in the Ugandan capital on Saturday.
Zimbabwe has done it ✅
Champions of Africa once again; Undefeated in two consecutive tournaments. And a spot at the world table.
Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 has conquered Africa once again 🏆
A battle well fought by Namibia 🇳🇦 but Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 came out victorious pic.twitter.com/ziSzbvus8f— Rugby Afrique (@RugbyAfrique) July 19, 2025
Zimbabwe will take up the berth reserved for the continental competition winner in Australia in 2027 while Namibia will get a second chance to compete at the World Cup through play-offs later this year.
— Zimbabwe Sables 🇿🇼 (@SablesRugbyZW) July 19, 2025
Namibia have qualified for the last seven World Cups but it will be only a third appearance for Zimbabwe, who competed at the first two tournaments in 1987 and 1991.
The two teams were tied 16-16 at halftime but two quick tries after the break saw Zimbabwe go 30-16 ahead, only for Namibia to claw their way to a two-point deficit before missing a long-range penalty in the last minute that would have won the game.
2027 Rugby World Cup Draw
The draw for the pool stage of the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia will take place next December, World Rugby confirmed.
The tournament will feature 24 teams, rather than 20 as was the case since the 1999 World Cup, divided into six pools of four teams.
Perth will host the opening match and Sydney the final in the event from 1 October to 13 November, 2027.
The final qualifying tournament takes place in Dubai from 8 to 18 November.
Sixteen teams have qualified so far – two-time defending champions South Africa, France, New Zealand, Italy, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Fiji, Australia, England, Argentina, Japan, Georgia, Spain, Portugal, and Romania.
