Sables to face SA ‘A’ in Nelson Mandela Bay

The Zimbabwe Sables will kick off a blockbuster day of international rugby when they face the South Africa ‘A’ side at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday, 20 June 2026.

The encounter will serve as the high-octane curtain-raiser to the season-opening clash between the back-to-back world champions, the Springboks, and the world-renowned Barbarians, providing a premier platform for Africa’s reigning champions to test their mettle on one of the game’s biggest stages.

Tickets to the Double Header

For the Sables, the fixture represents a defining milestone in their high-performance journey following their historic qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, which will mark their first appearance at the global showpiece in over three decades. The match offers a thrilling opportunity to measure their progress, build confidence, and continue their rise on the international stage.

Head coach Pieter Benade emphasized the significance of the fixture:

“We’re excited for the opportunity to test ourselves against one of the world’s top rugby nations and a truly elite system. It’s a challenge we embrace and one that promises to push our standards to another level.

Experiences like this are invaluable. They expose our players to the highest level of competition, accelerate their growth and play a key role in the continued development of our squad. We’re looking forward to the lessons ahead and the chance to showcase our progress on the international stage.”

The inclusion of the Sables in such a high-profile match underscores the strengthening partnership between the Zimbabwe and South African Rugby Unions, reflecting the growing collaboration and shared commitment to the development of rugby across the region.

Springbok Head Coach Rassie Erasmus added:

“The match between the SA ‘A’ team and Zimbabwe will serve as a fantastic opportunity for both teams to achieve some of their objectives with the Rugby World Cup in mind, and from a South African point of view, we have seen the benefits of having an SA ‘A’ team playing against quality opposition.”

This match provides Zimbabwean fans with a truly special opportunity to rally behind their team at a world-class venue, show their unwavering support, and witness the rise of a fearless new generation of talent ready to carry Zimbabwean rugby to even greater heights. The excitement is building, the stakes are high and, the Sables are ready to make their mark.

Upcoming Fixtures

Issued by Zimbabwe Rugby Communications

Contact Information: Marketing@zru.co.zw | +263789199906