The UAE hosts Zimbabwe on November 5th 2024 at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai in the first of two international Men’s XV tests and part of the first-ever Autumn series for the UAE Men’s team.
Updated November 5 2024.
Zimbabwe are the Rugby Afrique 2024 Champions and are ranked 23 places higher than the hosts at 28 compared to the United Arab Emirates’ 51st ranking. This will be the second time the two men’s sides play each other in a test – the previous time was in 2012. Zimbabwe arrive having won their last three games in Africa (against Algeria, Namibia, and Uganda) and are hoping to build on their success and potential RWC 2027 qualification
Zimbabwe Sables Skipper Hilton Mudariki said before departing Zimbabwe (he could potentially earn his 50th cap on the tour) that “everyone has filtered in really nicely into our camp, even the guys who are in their first camp” and that they are “excited to play in a different part of the world and there’s huge excitement around the end-of-year tour. We get to travel to new countries and experience different conditions, and the guys can’t wait to go.”
- Former Super Rugby, Pro14 and Wallaby-capped Kyle Godwin (who was born in Zimbabwe). He played for Wallabies U20 and made his senior international debut for the Wallabies against France in 2016 – confirmed on the subs bench.
- Halfback Ian Prior, a Western Force player, has also represented the Reds and Brumbies in Australia, as well as Harlequins in England.
- Munashe Mhere plays with the Sharks (and on loan with the Pumas) in South Africa as a tight head forward and is confirmed to start to make his debut.
- Jovan Bekker plays for Western Province in SA as a prop and will make his debut against the UAE.
Kyle Godwin said on Zimbabwe television that they have a real drive to try and reach the RWC 2027.
The Sables coaching staff is led by Head Coach Pieter Benade (not to be confused with the UAE’s Head Coach Jacques Benade) and he has selected seasoned veterans, emerging talent (f debut caps have been selected), and returning players for the two-match tour to Asia.
Zimbabwe’s Benade said of the tour, “We are excited to test ourselves against international opposition and gain valuable match experience. These tours will help us prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and showcase our talent on the global stage.”
The Sables have engaged in a series of competitive matches featuring locally based players against provincial teams, as well as against the High-Performance Centre U20 side.
Photo Credit- World Rugby / Asia Rugby – ARM Championship 2024 UAE vs Korea
Head Coach Jacques Benade named the match-day squad to play Zimbabwe – his side were runners-up in the Asia Rugby Men’s Championship 2024 in which they beat both South Korea (36-32) and Malaysia (62-19) but lost the Champions Hong Kong China (5-52).*
Most of the UAE matchday squad are those who played earlier this year and as many as 14 come from Dubai Exiles. Matt Mills again captains the side at flank with powerful South-African-born Jean Botes at 8th man, with Fijian-born Sakiusa Naisau making the move from the wing to the outside centre – he was a real threat all championship.
*(Little else has been released by the UAE so far but we will update this if more is announced)
There is free entry for all spectators wishing to attend the game at the Sevens Stadium.
Match Officials – UAE vs Zimbabwe
World Rugby confirmed the match officials for the November 2024 tests but the UAE matches were not included. World Rugby confirmed with us that the matches are subject to appointments through the region.
The UAE next faces Germany on November 16th 2024 and Zimbabwe play Korea in Incheon on the same day.
UAE Squad vs Zimbabwe (November 2024)
- Jacques Benade (Head Coach)
- Aaron Persico (Forwards Coach)
- DuRandt Gerber (Backs Coach)
- Apollo Perelini (Director of Rugby)
Zimbabwe Squad vs UAE (November 2024)
How To Watch UAE vs Zimbabwe 2024
From the UAERF team poster, it appears the match will be streamed on the UAERF YouTube platform.
International Rugby 2024
- Hong Kong China Confirms It Will Host Brazil For Two Men’s 15s Autumn 2024 Internationals.
- UAE And Hong Kong China Men’s XV To Host November 2024 International Tests.
- JRFU Fixtures 2024 – Brave Blossoms, Japan XV, Sakura XV.
- Rugby World Cup 2027 Qualification Explained.
Trending Now
The Best Social 2024 Rugby Tournaments In Asia
