Thousands of kilometres from home, under the Rocky Mountain skies of Denver, Colorado, the Zimbabwe Sables begin their World Rugby Nations Cup campaign this weekend when they face Tonga at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park on 5 July 2026.
The match kicks off at 12:15AM CAT and will be live on RugbyPass, giving Zimbabwean supporters back home the opportunity to follow the action in the early hours of Sunday morning.
For the Sables, the Nations Cup represents the most significant overseas rugby campaign they have undertaken in recent years, with fixtures against Tonga, the United States and Canada across three consecutive weekends in July.
The tournament also forms a critical part of Zimbabwe's preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, making every performance and every result in the United States carry genuine long-term significance.
Tonga are a formidable opening opponent. The Pacific Islanders are a physically imposing side with a proud rugby tradition and a passionate playing style that has tested some of the world's best teams over the years. Head coach Pieter Benade's side will need to be at their very best from the first whistle if they are to get their Nations Cup campaign off to a winning start.
The Sables departed Zimbabwe on 28 June and have had time to settle into their surroundings ahead of the opening fixture, with Benade expected to name a strong starting XV for a match that will set the tone for the rest of Zimbabwe's time in the United States.
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Zimbabwe's subsequent Nations Cup fixtures are against the USA on 11 July and Canada on 18 July.