Harare – The Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) has taken a bold step toward reshaping the future of local rugby, with the Interim Management Committee (IMC) announcing a set of eight milestones that will guide the sport from now until the 2027 Rugby World Cup cycle.
The IMC, appointed by the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), revealed the roadmap in Harare today, describing it as a decisive plan to restore credibility, improve governance, and ensure long-term sustainability in Zimbabwean rugby.
The Big Picture
According to the IMC, its transitional mandate is built around four core objectives:
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Securing long-term financial stability for ZRU.
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Establishing a governance framework anchored in transparency, accountability, and competitiveness.
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Overseeing democratic elections under a new constitution.
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Ensuring the Sables successfully participate in the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Key Milestones
The roadmap outlines eight major milestones, starting with Zimbabwe’s submission of a Performance Case to World Rugby in October 2025, a crucial step to unlock performance-based funding and technical support. Other highlights include:
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November 2025: Completion of the FY2024 audit and adoption of annual statutory audits.
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Dec 2025 – March 2026: Introduction of stabilisation measures such as stronger financial controls, procurement policies, and compliance systems.
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Q2 2026: Nationwide consultations to shape constitutional reform.
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Q4 2026: Drafting and adoption of a new ZRU Constitution.
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2027: Democratic elections for a new ZRU Board and the Sables’ participation at the Rugby World Cup.
The IMC will also focus on developing high-performance systems, revamping domestic competitions, and strengthening player welfare structures throughout the cycle.
A Turning Point for Rugby
IMC members Paddy Zhanda Jnr, Latifa Kassim, Garett Crabbe, Wellington Magaya, and Godwin Murambiwa stressed that their role is transitional and none of them will contest future ZRU elections.
The committee also clarified a common misconception: qualifying for the Rugby World Cup does not automatically guarantee increased World Rugby funding. Instead, funding depends on strong governance, performance, and measurable results.
Despite years of administrative challenges, Zimbabwean rugby has shown resilience, with the Sables recently winning back-to-back Rugby Africa Trophy titles to seal their World Cup return after a 34-year wait.
Call for Unity
The IMC acknowledged the sacrifices of players, coaches, clubs, schools, and grassroots volunteers who have kept the sport alive during turbulent times. It called on all stakeholders—past and present officials, institutions, and fans—to unite in driving reforms.
“Only through collaboration can Zimbabwean rugby reclaim its rightful place on the African and global stage,” the committee said.
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