Zimbabwe flyhalf Ian Prior capped off a brilliant campaign at the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup by being named Player of the Tournament.
The 34-year-old veteran delivered another commanding performance in the final, contributing 15 points to guide the Sables to victory and secure their place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Prior’s leadership and precision off the boot proved vital throughout the tournament as Zimbabwe battled past Morocco, Kenya, and eventually Namibia to claim the continental crown.
In addition to Prior’s recognition, Zimbabwe’s lock Godfrey Muzanargwo was named Man of the Match in the final for his towering display in the second row.
This marks Zimbabwe’s third appearance at the Men’s Rugby World Cup. They were the only African nation at the inaugural 1987 tournament by invitation and later qualified for the 1991 edition.
Morocco, making their return to top-tier African rugby, also earned praise. Head coach Kouder Gasmi was named Coach of the Tournament after guiding his team to a spirited campaign.
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Morocco, newly promoted, impressed despite falling to Zimbabwe 43-9 in the opener, bouncing back with a 24-12 win over Uganda and narrowly losing 33-28 to Senegal in the 5th place final.
While Zimbabwe prepare for the global stage, Namibia the runners-up in the final will remain in Kampala for a crucial play-off against the United Arab Emirates, who finished second in the 2025 Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship.
The 2025 Rugby Africa Cup brought together eight of the continent’s best teams Zimbabwe, Namibia, Kenya, Uganda, Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire for a high-stakes knockout competition.
Aside from World Cup qualification, the winner also earned a spot in the second division of the revamped Nations Cup.
For the first time in Rugby World Cup history, all qualifiers will be confirmed by the end of 2025, ensuring a complete lineup for the 2027 tournament draw. Team seedings will be based on the World Rugby Rankings.
Match Day 1: Tuesday 08 July 2025 (Local Time) (EAT)
10:00 – Zimbabwe (43) vs Morocco (9)
12:00 – Algeria (41) vs Cote d’Ivoire (6)
14:00 – Namibia (55) vs Senegal (17)
16:00 – Kenya (32) vs Uganda (24)
Match Day 2: Sunday 13 July 2025 (Local Time) (EAT)
10:00 – Cote d’Ivoire (3) vs Senegal (28)
12:00 – Morocco (24) vs Uganda (12)
14:00 – Algeria (7) vs Namibia (21)
16:00 – Zimbabwe (29) vs Kenya (23)
Match Day 3: Saturday 19 July 2025 (Local Time) (EAT)
10:00 – Senegal (33) vs Morocco (28) (5th Place Final)
12:00 – Algeria (15) vs Kenya (5) (3rd Place Final)
14:00 – Côte d’Ivoire (17) vs Uganda (37) (7th Place Final)
16:00 – Namibia (28) vs Zimbabwe (30)
