Sables to face South Africa ‘A’ in June showdown

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

The match will serve as the curtain-raiser to the main event between the Springboks and the Barbarians, giving Zimbabwe a high-profile platform on one of rugby’s biggest stages.

Big test for the Sables

For Zimbabwe, the fixture comes at a significant moment in their development journey following their qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia — their first appearance at the tournament in more than three decades.

The encounter will provide a valuable test against a South African ‘A’ side made up of elite domestic and emerging international-level players, offering the Sables a chance to measure their progress ahead of global competition.

Head coach Pieter Benade said the match is an important step in the team’s growth.

“We’re excited for the opportunity to test ourselves against one of the world’s top rugby nations and a truly elite system,” Benade said.

“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.”

Strengthening regional rugby ties

The fixture also highlights the growing collaboration between Zimbabwe and South African rugby structures, as both nations continue to invest in the development of the sport in the region.

Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus also welcomed the inclusion of Zimbabwe in the double-header.

“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,” Erasmus said.

“From a South African point of view, we have seen the benefits of having an SA ‘A’ team playing against quality opposition.”

Chance to build momentum

The Sables will be aiming to use the fixture to gain valuable experience and continue building momentum ahead of a packed international schedule.

For Zimbabwean supporters, the match offers a rare opportunity to see their team compete on a major international stage against elite opposition.

Excitement is already building for the double-header, which promises a showcase of African rugby growth and ambition.