By Zim Sport Live Writer
Zimbabwe have appointed experienced English coach Ricky Pellow as their backs and attack coach, with his immediate task set to be helping the Sables prepare for the next round of World Rugby Nations Cup fixtures in England.
Pellow confirmed the appointment in a social media post, expressing his excitement about joining the national team as they build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
“Really excited to share that I’ll be joining the Zimbabwe Sables as Backs & Attack Coach!” he wrote.
“A fantastic opportunity to work alongside some great coaches and an exciting group of players as we prepare for the upcoming camps and Nations Cup fixtures. Really looking forward to being part of what has already been such an exciting journey for the group.”
Pellow also thanked Tony Chapman and FLX for helping make the appointment possible, saying he would combine the national-team role with his existing commitments.
“A massive thank you must go to Tony Chapman and FLX for their support in helping make this opportunity possible. It means a lot to be able to take this on alongside my work with FLX and everything we’re building at Camborne RFC,” he added.
The Sables return to action in November after opening their inaugural Nations Cup campaign in July with defeats against Tonga, the United States and Canada.
Zimbabwe will begin the November leg against Samoa at the DIY Kitchens Stadium in Wakefield on 7 November, before facing Uruguay at the Trailfinders Sports Ground in Ealing on 14 November.
Their final fixture of the three-match block will be against Chile at Stade Chanzy in Angoulême, France, on 21 November. The matches are part of the competition’s second phase, with Zimbabwe’s designated home fixtures being staged in Europe. <Cite refs={[“turn261751search0″,”turn261751search2″,”turn261751search5”]}/>
Pellow brings extensive experience from English rugby, having spent 16 years at Exeter Chiefs before leaving the club in 2025. He joined Exeter in 2009 as a skills coach and was part of the coaching structure during the club’s rise to become one of England’s leading sides.
During his time at Exeter, the Chiefs won the English Premiership in 2017 and 2020, as well as the European Champions Cup in 2020. Pellow also led the club’s campaigns to three Premiership Rugby Cup titles in 2014, 2019 and 2022.
His work included developing young players through Exeter’s academy and helping emerging talent progress into senior rugby. Before moving into coaching, Pellow played scrum-half for Bath, Worcester Warriors and Cornish Pirates.
He is currently sporting director at Camborne RFC and also works with FLX Sports and Events.
Zimbabwe qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup by winning the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, ending a 36-year absence from the tournament. The Sables have been drawn in Pool F alongside England, Wales and Tonga.
Pellow’s arrival adds experience in skills development and attacking play as Zimbabwe look to improve their performances against international opposition and build towards their first World Cup appearance since 1991.
