By Daniel Nhakaniso
France-based prop Farai Mudariki is poised to make his long-awaited return to the Zimbabwe national rugby team after being named in the Sables training squad for Saturday’s high-profile international against South Africa A.
The 31-year-old tighthead prop has not represented Zimbabwe since featuring against Tunisia in the then 2018 Rugby Africa Gold Cup due to a combination of injuries and club commitments during his professional career in France and England.
Mudariki’s return provides a significant boost for the Sables as they continue preparations for their historic return to the Rugby World Cup in 2027 and next month’s World Rugby Nations Cup campaign in the United States.
The younger brother of Sables captain Hilton Mudariki, Farai currently plays for French Pro D2 side Nice Rugby, whom he joined at the start of the season after spending five successful years with USON Nevers.
A powerful scrummager renowned for his physicality and ball-carrying ability, Mudariki has enjoyed a strong campaign in France, scoring four tries in 17 appearances for the Nice-based club.
His international journey began in memorable fashion when he scored a try on his Zimbabwe debut against Madagascar during a Rugby World Cup qualifier in 2015.
A product of the prestigious Castres Espoirs academy, Mudariki brings valuable experience to a Zimbabwe squad that will be without several key figures from last year’s Rugby World Cup qualification campaign.
Among the notable absentees are influential fly-half Ian Prior, who was named Player of the Tournament during the Rugby Africa Cup in Uganda, utility forward Godfrey Muzanargwo, England-based prop Cleopas Kundiona, wing Matt McNab and first-choice number eight Jason Fraser.
Zimbabwe are expected to announce their matchday squad on Thursday evening or Friday morning ahead of the eagerly anticipated clash against South Africa A.
The fixture forms part of the Sables’ intensive preparations for a demanding international season that includes their maiden appearance at the World Rugby Nations Cup before attention turns to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
FULL SABLES TRAINING SQUAD
Forwards: Aiden Burnett, Simba Mandioma, Victor Mupunga, Dylan Utete, Farai Mudariki, Gary Porter, Dale Lemon, Dan Cooke, Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Liam Larkan, Michael Kumbirayi, Bornwell Gwinji, Simbarashe Siraha, Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Tino Mavesere, Tjide Visser.
Backs: Hilton Mudariki, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Bruce Houston, Dion Khumalo, Ed Sigauke, Keegan Joubert, Kudzi Mashawi, Tapiwa Mafura, Tatenda Kamubvumbi, Trevor Gurwe.