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Brandon Moyo

THE Sables won the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup in Kampala, Uganda in July, cementing their status as a continental rugby powerhouse.

It was their first Africa Cup triumph  in 12 years having last won the title in 2012.

They walloped Algeria 29-3 in the final.

In their tournament opener, they secured a hard fought 22-20 win over the hosts, Uganda before going on to beat Namibia  32-10 in the semi finals. It was their first win over the Welwitschias in 23 years. Their last triumph against Namibia was in 2001 in Bulawayo where they emerged as 27-26 victors.

The 2024 Rugby Africa Cup served as the first step towards qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

The final qualification tournament is pencilled in for next year where only one team between Zimbabwe, Namibia, Algeria and Ivory Coast will book a  ticket Down Under.

Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) president Losson Mtongwiza said they will do everything in their power to make sure that the Sables get the best possible preparation for next year.