Zimbabwe Sables to play South Africa's Springboks 'A' in June

This high-profile match will serve as a curtain-raiser and a crucial test for Zimbabwe as they prepare for upcoming international assignments and the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Head coach Pieter Benade emphasized the importance of such encounters in raising the team’s standards, stating that it is an opportunity to test themselves against a top rugby nation and an elite system. Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus also noted the match's benefit for both teams in fine-tuning their squads.

The Sables enter the contest with momentum, having qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup after a 30–28 victory over Namibia in the Rugby Africa Cup final last year, ending a 36-year absence from the global showpiece. This clash will provide a valuable platform for the Sables to test their depth, sharpen combinations, and gain exposure against strong international competition.