Ian Prior is back, and the Sables mean business in Denver.
Head coach Pieter Benade has named his starting XV for Zimbabwe's World Rugby Nations Cup opener against Tonga at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park on 5 July 2026, with Hilton Mudariki captaining the side from scrumhalf and Prior returning at flyhalf to provide the experience and direction that Zimbabwe's backline requires at this level of international rugby.
The front row consists of Victor Mupunga, Matthew Mandioma and Michael Kumbirai, with Gary Porter and Godfrey Muzanargwo packing down in the second row. The back row features Tinotenda Mavesere, Dylan Utete and Jason Fraser at number eight. Prior partners captain Mudariki at halfback, with Kudzai Mashawi and Brandon Mudzekenyedzi forming the centre partnership. Edward Sigauke and Trevor Gurwe are named on the wings, with Tapiwa Mafura at fullback.
A strong bench of eight has been named to provide impact, including Bryan Chiang, Tjide Visser, Cleopas Kundiona, Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Simbarashe Siraha, Tyrone Gombe, Bruce Houston and Dion Khumalo.
ZIMBABWE STARTING XV VS TONGA —WORLD RUGBY NATIONS CUP 2026 :
Victor Mupunga, Matthew Mandioma, Michael Kumbirai, Gary Porter, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Tinotenda Mavesere, Dylan Utete, Jason Fraser, Hilton Mudariki (captain), Ian Prior, Edward Sigauke, Kudzai Mashawi, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Trevor Gurwe, Tapiwa Mafura. Replacements: Bryan Chiang, Tjide Visser, Cleopas Kundiona, Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Simbarashe Siraha, Tyrone Gombe, Bruce Houston, Dion Khumalo.
- Sables confirm training squad for South Africa A clash as Ian Prior misses out
- Nations Cup opener: Prior returns for Tonga test
