By Praise Dumi DhlakamaZimbabwe sports writer
Updated 26 October 2026
The Sables are Zimbabwe’s men’s rugby union team, coached by Piet Benade and ranked 25th by World Rugby on 19 October 2026. They qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia by beating Namibia 30-28 in Kampala on 19 July 2025. This page covers the World Cup draw, 2026 results, the coming Tests and the latest Sables news.
Sables key facts
- Coach
- Piet Benade
- World Rugby ranking
- 25th (19 October 2026)
- 2027 World Cup
- Pool F: England, Wales, Tonga
- Previous World Cups
- 1987, 1991
- Next match
- Samoa, Nations Cup, 7 November 2026
Sables at the 2027 Rugby World Cup
Zimbabwe return to the Rugby World Cup for the first time since 1991. The tournament runs in Australia from 1 October to 13 November 2027, and the Sables are in Pool F with England, Wales and Tonga.
Sables 2026 results
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 18 July 2026 | Canada | Lost 19-23 |
| 11 July 2026 | USA | Lost 15-31 |
| 4 July 2026 | Tonga | Lost 26-36 |
Sables fixtures
In November the Sables play Samoa, Uruguay and Chile in the Nations Cup.
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| 7 November 2026 | Samoa |
| 14 November 2026 | Uruguay |
| 21 November 2026 | Chile |
Latest Sables news
-
Zimbabwe 36-33 Namibia: Sables End 25-Year Wait for a Home Win
Zimbabwe’s Sables broke their long home drought against Namibia on Saturday, surviving a furious second-half fightback to win…
-
Sables Host Namibia in Harare as Rugby Returns to National Sports Stadium
Zimbabwe’s Sables face old rivals Namibia in a Test at the refurbished National Sports Stadium in Harare on…
Sables FAQ
Who is the Sables coach?
Piet Benade is the head coach of Zimbabwe’s Sables.
Are Zimbabwe at the 2027 Rugby World Cup?
Yes. Zimbabwe qualified by beating Namibia 30-28 in Kampala on 19 July 2025 and are in Pool F with England, Wales and Tonga.
When did Zimbabwe last play at a Rugby World Cup?
Zimbabwe played at the first two Rugby World Cups, in 1987 and 1991.
When do the Sables play next?
Zimbabwe play Samoa in the Nations Cup on 7 November 2026, then Uruguay on 14 November and Chile on 21 November.
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