Sables Name Match-Day 23 for Nations Cup Opener Against Tonga

Zimbabwe Sables head coach Pieter Benade has named his match-day 23 for the opening fixture of the Nations Cup against the TONGA at Dicks Sporting Goods Park, Denver, Colorado on Sunday 05 July CAT, with captain Hilton Mudariki set to lead the side in the tournament opener.

The squad features a blend of experienced internationals and exciting young talent as the Sables begin their Nations Cup campaign against the hosts.

Among those selected are several members of the squad that secured qualification for the Rugby World Cup 2027, with Benade retaining the core leadership group while rewarding strong performances during the team’s recent preparations.

The forward pack will be tasked with providing a solid platform at set-piece and breakdown time, while the backline boasts a combination of creativity, pace and finishing ability.

Speaking on the selection, Benade said:

“As coaches we are looking forward to seeing those selected make use of this opportunity to to show their talents while playing against a great rugby nation like Tonga.”

Zimbabwe and Tonga have only played each other once in a full international XVs test match. Tonga won that historic fixture 42-13 at the Police Grounds in Harare on May 17, 1997, during their southern Africa tour. Prior to that test, a Tonga XV also defeated the Zimbabwe Goshawks 62-22 on May 13, 1997.

The match will mark Zimbabwe’s first outing of the tournament before further fixtures against USA and Canada.

Zimbabwe Sables Team to Face TONGA

IN ORDER OF NAME- CLUB- TEST CAPS

  1. Victor Mupunga- US Bourg-En-Bresse- 12 Caps
  2. Matthew Mandioma- C.P. Les Abelles- 55 Caps
  3. Michael Kumbirai- SOC Rugby- 01 Cap
  4. Gary Porter- DHL Stormers- 01 Cap
  5. Godfrey Muzanargwo- Valke- 27 Caps
  6. Tinotenda Mavesere- The Sharks- 14 Caps
  7. Dylan Utete- Villagers RFC- 07 Caps
  8. Jason Fraser- USON Nevers Rugby- 07 Caps
  9. Hilton Mudariki(CAPTAIN)- Old Hararians Rugby Club- 48 Caps
  10. Ian Prior- Associates Rugby Club- 08 Caps
  11. Edward Sigauke – Emeris Rugby Club- 09 Caps
  12. Kudzai Mashawi- Harare Sports Club- 29 Caps
  13. Brandon Mudzekenyedzi- Dubai Hurricanes- 13 Caps
  14. Trevor Gurwe- Ok Man Rugby- 08 Caps
  15. Tapiwa Mafura- Unattached- 12 Caps

Replacements

  1. Bryan Chiang- Old Hararians Rugby Club-  02 Caps
  2. Tijde Visser- Rugby Club Massy Essonne- 01 Cap
  3. Cleopas Kundiona- Northhampton Saints- 16 Caps
  4. Tadiwanashe Gwashu- Harare Sports Club- 07 Caps
  5. Simbarashe Siraha- Gernika Rugby Club- 09 Caps
  6. Tyrone Gombe- UCT Tigers- 00 Caps
  7. Bruce Houston- US Bourg-En-Bresse- 02 Caps
  8. Dion Khumalo- Cobras Rugby SRA- 08 Caps

 

Match Information

Fixture: Zimbabwe vs Tonga
Competition: Nations Cup 2026
Venue: Dicks Sporting Goods Park Denver, Colorado
Date: 05 July 2026
Kick-off: 00:15 Your Time (Africa/Harare)

Stats and Facts

  • Zimbabwe enter the Nations Cup having secured qualification for the Rugby World Cup 2027.
    • Mathew Simba Mandioma is set to earn his 56th Test cap.
    • The starting XV boasts a combined 296 Test caps.
    • The match marks Zimbabwe’s first appearance in the 2026 Nations Cup.

Issued by Zimbabwe Rugby Union Communications