By Zim Sport Live Writer
Zimbabwe internationals Bruce Houston and Matt McNab will be reunited at Coventry Rugby next season after the English Championship side completed the signing of Houston ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
The move sees two key members of the Zimbabwe Sables squad join forces at the Nick Newbold Stadium as Coventry continue to strengthen their squad ahead of a season which will culminate with Zimbabwe’s return to the Rugby World Cup in Australia next year.
Just days after Coventry announced the signing of powerful outside back Matt McNab from Doncaster Knights, the club confirmed the arrival of versatile playmaker Bruce Houston, creating a familiar Zimbabwean connection within the squad.
The duo have become important figures in Zimbabwe’s resurgence on the international stage and were both part of the Sables side that secured qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, ending the country’s 36-year absence from rugby’s biggest tournament.
For Coventry supporters, the reunion brings together two players who have already developed a strong understanding through their time in the Zimbabwe national team setup.
Houston arrives with an impressive rugby résumé. The 26-year-old can operate at fly-half or inside centre and brings valuable Championship experience after spells with Ealing Trailfinders, Cornish Pirates and, most recently, USBPA Rugby.
The former Ulster Rugby and Edinburgh Rugby player has accumulated 238 points in 50 appearances for Cornish Pirates and earned his first Zimbabwe cap during the past international season.
McNab, meanwhile, joins Coventry after establishing himself as one of the most dangerous attacking backs in the Championship. The versatile wing and centre scored 35 tries in 71 appearances during his career and has earned 22 caps for Zimbabwe.
Their arrival represents a significant boost for both Coventry Rugby and the Zimbabwe national team, with the pair set to play together regularly at club level ahead of a crucial period for the Sables.
Coventry head coach Alex Rae believes Houston’s versatility and experience will add another dimension to the squad.
«”From the moment I spoke to Bruce, what stood out was his energy and desire to be part of something here at Coventry. Couple that with his ability in multiple positions and previous experience in this league, it’s really exciting to get him on board,” Rae said.»
Houston is equally excited about the move.
«”I’m delighted to be joining Coventry. The ambition of the club and the direction it’s heading in made it an easy decision. I’m looking forward to meeting the boys and the staff and having a season we can remember.”»
The prospect of Houston pulling the strings in midfield while McNab provides firepower out wide is an exciting one for Coventry supporters.
For Zimbabwean rugby fans, however, the bigger picture is the opportunity for two of the Sables’ key players to further strengthen their on-field partnership ahead of the World Rugby Nations Cup and next year’s Rugby World Cup campaign.
With Zimbabwe preparing for one of the most important periods in the country’s rugby history, the Coventry reunion could prove to be a timely boost for the Sables.Alternative