Harare: Today, World Rugby Chairman Brett Robinson and Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah held high-level bilateral discussions with the Honourable Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, to discuss the future development of rugby in Zimbabwe beyond the 2027 Rugby World Cup. According to African Press Organization, the meeting, organized by Zimbabwe Rugby Union, acknowledged Zimbabwe's qualification for the Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, marking the Sables' first appearance at the global tournament since 1991. The discussions focused on governance stability, high-performance planning, and the long-term development of the game in Zimbabwe. Honourable Minister Sanyatwe was joined by Hon. Emily Jesaya, Deputy Minister, and Dr. Biggie Samwanda from the Arts and Culture Directorate. Honourable Minister Sanyatwe commended World Rugby's global support and emphasized that governance reforms within the Zimbabwe Rugby Union have restored institutional stab ility, affirming the Government of Zimbabwe's full backing for the national team as they prepare for fixtures across Australia. Brett Robinson, Chairman of World Rugby, expressed gratitude to the Government of Zimbabwe and the Honourable Minister for their support. He emphasized the importance of Zimbabwe's return to the Rugby World Cup in 2027 and the legacy that can be created for rugby in the country beyond 2027. He highlighted the need for continuity and investment alongside the Zimbabwe Rugby Union and the Government of Zimbabwe to change the lives of young men and women through the sport. Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa and Executive Board Member at World Rugby, reiterated the significance of Zimbabwe's qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. He emphasized the need for strong leadership, government support, and the right structures to build on this momentum and create opportunities beyond 2027. The World Rugby delegation, led by Chairman Brett Robinson, included Rugby Africa President H erbert Mensah, World Rugby Chief of International Federation David Carrigy, and Dave Gilbert, Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa. The Zimbabwe Rugby Union was represented by Interim Management Committee Chair Paddy Zhanda and General Manager Takunda Chifokoyo. The delegation reviewed the Sables' competition and preparation program, including their integration into World Rugby's expanded international competition pathway and upcoming November 2026 Nations Cup fixtures. Discussions also centered on expanding grassroots participation and elevating Rugby Sevens as a key development vehicle ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. Rugby Africa will continue to work closely with the Zimbabwe Rugby Union to support long-term governance continuity and ensure that the country is well positioned to maximize the opportunities presented by its return to the Rugby World Cup stage in 2027. To commemorate the milestone, Robinson formally presented the Honourable Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, and Deputy Minister Emily Jesaya with an official World Rugby ceremonial salver and the official Rugby World Cup 2027 match ball featuring Australian Indigenous artwork, formally welcoming Zimbabwe back to the pinnacle of world rugby.