Zimbabwe defeated Namibia 30-28 in the Rugby Africa Cup final to become champions.
With this victory, they have qualified for the Rugby World Cup for the first time since 1991.
Zimbabwe had previously appeared at the Rugby World Cup in 1987 and 1991. By beating Namibia in the Africa Cup held in Kampala, they ended a long wait to return to the world stage.
The match against Namibia was a fiercely contested battle. The first half ended in a 16-16 draw, but Zimbabwe managed to pull ahead in the final minutes.
As a result, Namibia’s streak of seven consecutive World Cup appearances came to an end.
The only other African team to qualify for the Rugby World Cup through continental qualification was Ivory Coast, back in 1995.
Zimbabwe will be the second African nation at the tournament, alongside defending champions South Africa.
The 2027 World Cup will take place in Australia and will feature 24 teams, with Zimbabwe and South Africa now confirmed participants.
However, Namibia’s hopes of reaching the World Cup are not over yet. Next Saturday, they will face the United Arab Emirates, runners-up at the Asia Rugby Men’s Championship, in a crucial play-off match.
If they win, they will advance to the four-team Final Qualification Tournament, which will be held in Dubai in November.