The buzz around a proposed rugby clash between Zimbabwe and South Africa A, set as a precursor to the Springboks versus Barbarians showdown on June 20th at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, might have been premature. Despite Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah's enthusiastic reveal, reservations from the Zimbabwean Rugby Union (ZRU) suggest the fixture is far from confirmed.
Mensah, in his conversation with RugbyWireZw, shared his excitement about the historic match-up: "I have wonderful announcements to make. The fact that before the South African Barbarians match in June, the Sables will be playing a South African A team in South Africa. It has never happened before." However, sources close to ZRU indicate a hesitation, primarily due to the timing of the game outside the official international window which restricts player availability.
"The fact that we’ve been able to negotiate for Zimbabwe’s home matches to be in England has never happened before. Yes, maybe it should have been in Africa, but there’s a revenue base that might make sense for us playing with a huge Zimbabwean population in Europe at the same time. And I’m really hoping that this becomes the rebirth, the beginning."
The reluctance stems from logistical challenges, as the match would require the Sables to field locally-based players only. Persuading clubs to release players early, outside World Rugby’s regulation nine, could prove costly with little financial upside against the backdrop of upcoming Nations Championship fixtures. An insider suggested that a later date, perhaps around August or September, might be more feasible when more players are available, providing a real benefit to both nations involved.
On a brighter note, the Sables are buzzing after qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup — their first appearance since 1991. This achievement has significantly boosted the profile and support for rugby in Zimbabwe. With the Nations Cup on the horizon featuring matches against Tonga, USA, and Canada, the focus remains on preparing the team strategically for the global stage.
Meanwhile, the Springboks' schedule is packed, kicking off with the Barbarians match followed by the Nations Championship games against England, Scotland, and Wales, and a historic tour against the New Zealand All Blacks. This series of matches underlines a thrilling rugby season ahead in Southern Africa.
As anticipation builds, the rugby community awaits official confirmation on the Zimbabwe versus South Africa A fixture, hoping it adds another exciting chapter to the sport's rich narrative in the region.
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The buzz around a proposed rugby clash between Zimbabwe and South Africa A, set as a precursor to the Springboks versus Barbarians showdown on June 20th at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, might have been premature. Despite Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah's enthusiastic reveal, reservations from the Zimbabwean Rugby Union (ZRU) suggest the fixture is far from confirmed.
Mensah, in his conversation with RugbyWireZw, shared his excitement about the historic match-up: "I have wonderful announcements to make. The fact that before the South African Barbarians match in June, the Sables will be playing a South African A team in South Africa. It has never happened before." However, sources close to ZRU indicate a hesitation, primarily due to the timing of the game outside the official international window which restricts player availability.
"The fact that we’ve been able to negotiate for Zimbabwe’s home matches to be in England has never happened before. Yes, maybe it should have been in Africa, but there’s a revenue base that might make sense for us playing with a huge Zimbabwean population in Europe at the same time. And I’m really hoping that this becomes the rebirth, the beginning."
The reluctance stems from logistical challenges, as the match would require the Sables to field locally-based players only. Persuading clubs to release players early, outside World Rugby’s regulation nine, could prove costly with little financial upside against the backdrop of upcoming Nations Championship fixtures. An insider suggested that a later date, perhaps around August or September, might be more feasible when more players are available, providing a real benefit to both nations involved.
On a brighter note, the Sables are buzzing after qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup — their first appearance since 1991. This achievement has significantly boosted the profile and support for rugby in Zimbabwe. With the Nations Cup on the horizon featuring matches against Tonga, USA, and Canada, the focus remains on preparing the team strategically for the global stage.
Meanwhile, the Springboks' schedule is packed, kicking off with the Barbarians match followed by the Nations Championship games against England, Scotland, and Wales, and a historic tour against the New Zealand All Blacks. This series of matches underlines a thrilling rugby season ahead in Southern Africa.
As anticipation builds, the rugby community awaits official confirmation on the Zimbabwe versus South Africa A fixture, hoping it adds another exciting chapter to the sport's rich narrative in the region.