By Zim Sport Live Writer
Zimbabwe continues to make its presence felt on the global sporting stage, with Jake Averillo emerging as an unlikely ambassador of the country’s heritage in Australia’s elite rugby league competition, the National Rugby League (NRL).
The Dolphins outside back, who will feature prominently during the league’s Multicultural Round festivities, has spoken proudly about his Zimbabwean roots — a heritage he traces through his maternal grandfather.
“My grandpa on Mum’s side is Zimbabwean, which used to be called Rhodesia, and he came over when he was 18,” Averillo revealed in an interview with NRL’s official website early this week.
While Zimbabwean representation in the NRL remains rare compared to the rugby union format, Averillo’s story reflects the competition’s growing cultural diversity.
A significant number of players in the league have international family backgrounds, with more than two-thirds boasting at least one grandparent born outside Australia.
For Averillo, however, Zimbabwe is more than just a distant link — it is a cultural identity he hopes to connect with more deeply in the future.
“I’ve never been (to Zimbabwe), I think one day I’d like to go,” he said.
His remarks resonate strongly with Zimbabwean fans, as the 23-year-old continues to showcase the nation’s heritage on one of rugby league’s biggest stages.
Across the sport, rugby league’s global footprint continues to expand, with players and communities representing over 230 countries worldwide. More than 17,000 club players have been born overseas, spanning 153 nations — underlining the game’s multicultural fabric.
The NRL itself is also becoming increasingly diverse. In 2026, a record 66 different heritages are represented across NRL and NRLW squads, a steady rise from 63 in 2024 and 65 in 2025.
Averillo admits he is only beginning to understand his Zimbabwean roots but remains eager to learn more.
“It is very different, I haven’t really delved into it too much, but I’d like to one day,” he said.
As Multicultural Round celebrations take centre stage this weekend, Averillo’s journey stands out as a proud reminder of Zimbabwe’s far-reaching influence in world sport.
The Dolphins are set to face the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks this Saturday in Sydney, with the league encouraging players and fans alike to celebrate not only their own backgrounds but also the diverse cultures that continue to shape the modern game.