By Agencies

Tapiwa Mafura says Zimbabwe are determined to do far more than simply make up the numbers when they return to the Rugby World Cup next year.

The former Lions utility back believes the Sables can become genuinely competitive on rugby’s biggest stage as excitement builds around Zimbabwe’s first World Cup appearance since 1991.

The 2027 tournament in Australia will mark a historic moment for Zimbabwean rugby after years spent fighting to return to the global stage. The Sables have been drawn in a tough World Cup pool with England, Wales and Tonga.

“It’s really amazing that we’re going to the World Cup. It’s something we’ve worked very hard for,” Mafura told Netwerk24.

“For me personally, it’s also a massive highlight. Since making my debut for Zimbabwe in 2021, it’s been something I’ve dreamed about.

MORE: Sables snap up Cape Town talent

“We also had a chance to qualify for the 2023 tournament, but things didn’t work out then.”

The 30-year-old Mafura was until recently contracted to the Lions, but has now shifted his full focus to Zimbabwe’s national cause.

“There’s huge excitement not only among us as players, but among Zimbabweans as well,” Mafura said.

“We don’t just want to be there so we can say we participated. We really want to be competitive.”

Zimbabwe’s preparations for the World Cup will include a high-profile clash against an SA A side in Gqeberha on 20 June.

The match will serve as the curtain-raiser to the Springboks’ showdown against the Barbarians at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.