Flyhalf Ian Prior says Zimbabwe qualifying for the 2027 World Cup signals the start of big things for the sport in that country.
The Sables qualified for the 2027 showpiece with a 30-28 victory over Namibia in the Africa Cup final on Saturday. 34-year-old Veteran Prior, scored 15 points in the match and 52 across all three qualifiers to be crowned Player of the Tournament.
ALSO: Zimbabwe qualify for 2027 Rugby World Cup
His leadership and precision off the boot proved vital throughout the tournament as Zimbabwe battled past Morocco, Kenya, and eventually Namibia to claim the continental crown.
The Aussie-born Western Force pivot has thanked Zimabweans all over the world for their support of the team.
“I’m a bit emotional. It’s a dream come true.”
This will be Zimbabwe’s first appearance at a World Cup since 1991. The door is still open for Namibia to book their ticket to what would be an eighth consecutive World Cup.
They face the United Arab Emirates in a playoff ahead of final qualifiers in Dubai in November.
The last time Zimbabwe made it to the World Cup, they lost their three matches against Ireland (55-11), Scotland (51-12) and Japan (52-8).
Australia host the 2027 World Cup.
Photo: X/@SablesRugbyZW
Hear from Zimbabwe’s Ian Prior who was named Africa Rugby Cup 2025 Most Valuable Player.#VisionSports | #RACUG25 | #FeelTheAfricanSpirit | 🎥@MyrelK74561 pic.twitter.com/z0RcGdwJnc
— Vision Sport (@newvisionsport) July 19, 2025