BREAKING: Zimbabwe name 31-man squad for World Cup qualifiers in Uganda

Back together: Winger Matt McNab and prop Cleopas Kundiona, pictured here in their Zimbabwe Under-20 days, are part of the Sables' 30-man squad for next week's World Cup qualifiers.

BY SPORTSCAST WRITER

HARARE – Zimbabwe on Tuesday named a 30-man squad for next week’s World Cup qualifiers in Uganda, a blend of experience and youth expected to launch the Sables’ strongest qualification bid in years.

Piet Benade’s Sables return to Kampala to defend their Rugby Africa Cup title, between 8 and 19 July, a tournament that doubles up as the qualification competition for the next World Cup edition in Australia in 2027.

The champions will clinch the single direct qualification slot to the World Cup while the runners-up remaining will remain with a chance through a global inter-continental play-off competition.

Zimbabwe welcome back powerful winger Matt McNab, who last played for the Sables at the 2022 World Cup qualifiers in France.

Bulawayo-born McNab (27) had taken a break from international rugby to settle in on the English club scene and recently moved from Cornish Pirates to Championship rivals Doncaster Knights ahead of the new season.

Seasoned flyhalf Lenience Tambwera also makes a comeback to the Sables fold following a lengthy absence and provide backing to star halfback Ian Prior.

Another experienced returnee is loose-forward Jason Fraser, who plays in France.

The newest player in the squad is the exciting teenage scrumhalf Tyrone Gombe, who also plays on the wing.

All 31 players named are on the touring party to Kampala, although 28 will be on the official tournament list.

The Sables open at the quarter-final stage against recently promoted Morocco next Tuesday before facing the winner between fierce rivals Uganda and Kenya in the semi-finals on 13 July.

                ZIMBABWE SQUAD

Forwards: Aiden Burnett, Bryan Chiang, Brian Makamure, Zvikomborero Chimoto, Victor Mupunga, Tyran Fagan, Jason Fraser, Bornwell Gwinji, Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Cleopas Kundiona, Liam Larkan, Simba Mandioma, Tino Mavesere, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Simbarashe Siraha, Dylan Utete, Brian Nyaude.

Backs: Hilton Mudariki (captain), Trevor Gurwe, Keegan Joubert, Dion Khumalo, Tapiwa Mafura, Matt McNab, Kudzai Mashawi, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Taku Musingwini, Ed Sigauke, Ian Prior, Lenience Tambwera, Tyrone Gombe.