World Rugby chair and African continent leadership expected in Zimbabwe as part of Sables’ World Cup preparations assessment

WORLD Rugby chairman Brett Robinson and Rugby Africa president Herbert Mensah are expected in Zimbabwe this Sunday as the country steps up preparations for its return to the Rugby World Cup.

Robinson will lead a five-day visit to Zimbabwe from August 23 to 27, accompanied by Mensah, who is also a World Rugby Executive Board member, and World Rugby Chief of International Federations David Carrigy.

The entourage is expected to engage government officials, Zimbabwe Rugby Union representatives, sports stakeholders and other partners as they assess the country’s preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Part of discussions will focus on Zimbabwe’s World Cup preparations, player welfare, high-performance structures, governance and the long-term development of rugby in the country.

The visit comes at a crucial moment for Zimbabwean rugby after the Sables secured qualification for the 2027 World Cup by winning the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup.

Zimbabwe’s qualification ended a 36-year wait for an appearance at rugby’s biggest tournament, having last featured at the 1991 edition.

Robinson’s visit also carries a personal connection to Zimbabwe, having previously played rugby in the country before going on to represent Australia and later taking up senior administrative roles in the sport.

For Zimbabwe, the visit provides an opportunity to assess how well the structures around the Sables are positioned ahead of their return to the global tournament, while also identifying areas where additional support may be required.

The Sables are set to compete in Pool F at the 2027 World Cup alongside England, Wales and Tonga, with the tournament scheduled to take place in Australia from October 1 to November 13, 2027.