By ASVG Media
World Rugby Chairman Brett Robinson and Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah, joined by World Rugby Chief of International Federation David Carrigy, have challenged Zimbabwe’s rugby community to turn the momentum of the Sables’ historic return to the Rugby World Cup into a sustainable platform for the sport’s long-term growth. Meeting players, coaches, referees, women’s and youth representatives, clubs and provincial leaders in Harare, the delegation emphasized three interconnected priorities: strong governance, expanded grassroots participation and greater commercial self-sufficiency. Robinson stressed that rebuilding trust is essential to attracting sponsors and ensuring investment is responsibly deployed, while Mensah argued that Zimbabwe—and African rugby more broadly—must develop domestic revenue streams rather than becoming overly dependent on international grants. The immediate sporting priority remains preparing the Sables for the next phase of the World Rugby Nations Cup in November and ultimately the 2027 Rugby World Cup, Zimbabwe’s first appearance on that stage since 1991.
But the larger message coming out of Harare was about what happens after the World Cup spotlight disappears. Mensah called for revenue generation to begin from the provinces upward, while Zimbabwe’s Sports and Recreation Commission linked good governance directly to the creation of “investable brands” capable of attracting corporate sponsorship. That connection between governance and commercialization could prove crucial: World Cup qualification gives Zimbabwe rugby a rare window to rebuild its national profile, attract partners, increase participation and create stronger properties around the Sables, domestic competitions and grassroots development. The challenge now is converting the excitement of 2027 into an enduring rugby economy—one capable of financing development and competing internationally long after the tournament ends.
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