The Zimbabwe national men’s rugby team, the Sables, today learned the identity of their opponents for the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, as they were drawn into a challenging Pool F at the official draw ceremony.
Making their highly anticipated return to the global tournament after a 36-year absence (since 1991), the Sables were the first team drawn from Band 4 by All Blacks legend Daniel Carter.
The live draw confirmed a massive challenge for the Sables in Pool F.
Zimbabwe will face the 2003 World Champions England (drawn from Band 1), Six Nations powerhouses Wales (drawn from Band 2), and the physical Pacific Island nation of Tonga (drawn from Band 3).
The Sables, who secured their place as Africa 1 by winning the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, now look ahead to a formidable schedule against some of the world’s most iconic rugby nations.
“We knew any pool would be tough at this level, but to draw two of the most iconic names in world rugby, England and Wales, is an incredible opportunity for our team and for the nation,” said Captain Hilton Mudariki.
“This is the moment we have worked for. We embrace the challenge of Pool F and look forward to showing the world the potential of Zimbabwean rugby. Every match will be a final for us, and the goal remains to advance in the expanded 24-team format.”
The RWC 2027, featuring an expanded knockout stage, sees the top two teams from each pool, plus the four best third-place teams, advancing to the Round of 16.
Zimbabwe’s historic campaign will officially kick off in Australia in October 2027.
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