By Daniel Nhakaniso
Zimbabwe Sables scrumhalf Keegan Joubert has joined the Mzansi Rugby League (MRL) ahead of the competition’s inaugural professional season in South Africa in 2027.
Joubert becomes the league’s fourth player signing as the MRL continues to build its squad ahead of the launch of its Premier Division.
The 26-year-old Durban-born scrumhalf currently plays his club rugby for Durbanville-Bellville and has experience in the Varsity Cup, European club rugby and international rugby with Zimbabwe.
A product of Stellenberg High School in Cape Town, Joubert represented North-West University and the University of Johannesburg in the Varsity Cup before taking his career overseas.
He had spells with Italian clubs Badia and Rovigo, as well as Dutch side Hoek van Holland, between 2022 and 2024 after completing a BA in Sport Science.
Joubert made his Zimbabwe debut against Zambia on 4 May 2024, beginning his international career with the Sables.
His signing is another indication of the MRL’s stated ambition to build a competition with an African focus, despite being based in South Africa.
The league has already finalised its inaugural 2027 Premier Division structure, with 10 clubs playing 18 rounds and 90 regular-season matches in a home-and-away format.
The first season is scheduled to begin on 7 March 2027, with the championship campaign running through September.