Rugby Africa Cup: Defending champions Zimbabwe Sables land in Uganda

By Agencies

The defending champions of the Rugby Africa Cup, the Zimbabwe sables, have landed in Uganda.

The 2024 champions shall aim to retain their title, an achievement that shall see them go back to the Rugby World Cup after 34 years.

In order to achieve that success, the Sables have added more firepower to their squad, with the return of powerful winger, Matt McNab who plays in the second tier of English rugby.

In addition to McNab, the Sables have also welcomed back seasoned flyhalf, Lenience Tambwera to cover fans’ favourite Ian Prior, and backrower Jason Fraser who has been away from the squad.

The Sables begin their title defence against the newly promoted Atlas Lions of Morocco on Tuesday, 8^th July 2025 at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Speaking at the Entebbe International Airport, Coach Piet Benade noted that returning to Uganda and driving through the streets should be able to “rekindle those positive emotions” amongst the players who played and won the trophy last year.

“We are fortunate to get a lot of the boys back who were here last year, so hopefully…the good memories of last year will keep the spirit there.” Coach Benade.

Should the side captained by Hilton Madariki proceed to the semi-finals, they will face either the Uganda Rugby Cranes or the Kenya Simbas and hope to bank on the good form that Tapiwa Mafura, Edward Sigauke and Takudzwa Musingwini displayed last year at Namboole.

FULL SQUAD:

Forwards:

Aiden Burnett, Bryan Chiang, Brian Makamure, Zvikomborero Chimoto, Victor Mupunga, Tyran Fagan, Jason Fraser, BornwellGwinji, Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Cleopas Kundiona, Liam Larkan, Simba Mandioma, Tino Mavesere, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Simbarashe Siraha, Dylan Utete, Brian Nyaude.

Backs:

Hilton Mudariki (captain), Trevor Gurwe, Keegan Joubert, Dion Khumalo, Tapiwa Mafura, Matt McNab, Kudzai Mashawi, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Taku Musingwini, Ed Sigauke, Ian Prior, Lenience Tambwera, Tyrone Gombe.