World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson will visit Zimbabwe from Sunday, August 23, to Thursday, August 27, to discuss the country's Rugby World Cup preparations and growth of the sport. The visit comes at a defining moment for Zimbabwean rugby, with the Sables preparing for their first Rugby World Cup appearance since 1991.
World Rugby Backs Zimbabwe's Sables
The visit by Robinson, accompanied by Rugby Africa President and World Rugby Executive Board Member Herbert Mensah and World Rugby Chief of International Federations David Carrigy, will focus on Zimbabwe's Rugby World Cup preparations, player welfare, high-performance structures, investment, governance, and the long-term development of rugby in the country. The discussions will also touch on how the momentum generated by World Cup qualification can translate into sustainable development across the game.
Zimbabwe's Return to the Rugby World Cup
Zimbabwe's return to the Rugby World Cup after 36 years, combined with its participation in the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup, has created an important platform for the country to strengthen its rugby structures and raise the profile of the sport nationally. The Sables faced Tonga, the United States, and Canada in the first phase of the Nations Cup, gaining valuable experience against established international opposition.
A New Era for Zimbabwean Rugby
The visit by World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson marks a significant moment in Zimbabwean rugby history, with the country's qualification for the Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia and the World Rugby Nations Cup serving as a testament to its progress. "Zimbabwe is a standout example of rugby's growth and progress across Africa and beyond," said Brett Robinson, Chair of World Rugby. "The ambition, passion, and commitment shown throughout the country reflect World Rugby's mission to grow the game, bring people together, and create a positive impact."
A Boost for African Rugby
The visit by World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson is a massive statement that World Rugby is backing Zimbabwe, supporting the Sables, and recognising the importance of what is happening in the country. Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa and Executive Board Member at World Rugby, said, "Zimbabwe has shown that, with the right competitive base, investment, and planning, African teams can compete strongly on the international stage. We must make sure that when we put together these tournaments, we do it in a different way."
What's Next for Zimbabwean Rugby
The visit by World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson is a significant step towards strengthening Zimbabwean rugby structures and raising the profile of the sport nationally. With the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia and the World Rugby Nations Cup on the horizon, the country is poised for a new era in rugby development. The momentum generated by World Cup qualification will be crucial in translating into sustainable development across the game, from the national team and high-performance structures to grassroots participation and commercial partnerships.
Source: Joy Online
