Harare, Zimbabwe | Zimbabwe Rugby Union is proud to announce the return of the highly anticipated Nedbank Rugby Challenge Cup, now in its 4th edition.
The tournament kicks off on 29 March 2025 at the Machinery Exchange Harare Sports Club, with the final round and awards ceremony set for 5 April 2025 at the same venue.
This year’s event promises to be bigger, bolder, and more inclusive than ever before, with a strong focus on women’s rugby, youth development, and club excellence.
In a landmark move underscoring the growth of the women’s game, both the Zimbabwe Sables Women’s and the Junior Sables U20 Women’s teams will feature prominently across both weekends.
Lady Sables will using the Nedbank Challenge Cup as the final preparatory event leading to their voyage to Ivory Coast for the Rugby Africa Division One quest in April.
Nedbank’s premier tournament opens with a historic clash between the Junior Women and the Senior Women at 10:40 AM on 29 March, showcasing the depth and talent within Zimbabwe’s female rugby ranks.
The Women’s teams will also return for the second round on 5 April, reinforcing the sport’s growing commitment to gender inclusion and visibility.
The Nedbank Challenge Cup continues to serve as a crucial platform for grooming future national talent.
Among the most anticipated fixtures is the involvement of the Nedbank Grassroots to Greatness U20 side, which faces host club Harare Sports Club in a thrilling Round one clash.
The developmental team is part of a broader initiative to nurture emerging players and offer a competitive pathway into elite rugby structures.
Through Nedbank Zimbabwe, young players such as Dion Khumalo and Takudzwa Musingwini have risen from Under-20 stardom to become African Champions as juniors and seniors.
Meanwhile, all eyes will be on two-time defending champions Harare Sports Club return with a target on their backs as they aim for a third consecutive title.
Backed by home support and a reputation for clinical execution, HSC will look to extend their dominance in what has become Zimbabwe’s premier club rugby showdown.
Their first test comes against the energetic Grassroots U20 squad in the final match of the opening round.
Round one will feature five matches, including powerhouse clashes between traditional rivals and exciting regional contests such as Pitbulls vs. Manicaland and Old Hararians vs. Matabeleland.
The Nedbank Rugby Challenge Cup 2025 will once again unite fans, players, and communities under the banner of sportsmanship, development, and national pride.
With top talent on display and new stars waiting to emerge, Zimbabwe Rugby invites everyone to witness the future of the game, live and loud at Harare Sports Club.
Entry is just $2, with children in uniform entering free, reinforcing the tournament’s commitment to accessibility and family-friendly entertainment.
Tournament Schedule Highlights:
• Round 1 – 29 March: Quarterfinals and National Women’s showcase at Harare Sports Club.
• Round 2 – 5 April: Semi-finals and final placements, including the 7th/8th and 3rd/4th place playoffs.
• Final – 5 April: The Championship match and closing ceremony at 18:10.
• Awards Ceremony – 19:40, 5 April.
Games will be live streamed on Rising Stars Digital Platforms.
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