Cleopas Kundiona is primed to earn a 17th cap for Zimbabwe this weekend, as the side prepare to face Tonga in the Nations Cup opener.
The Sables take to Dicks Sporting Goods Park in Denver on Saturday (4 July, kick-off: 11.15pm UK time), and Saints’ tighthead prop has been named amongst the replacements for Zimbabwe’s first outing of the summer – with further fixtures against USA and Canada to follow.
ZIMBABWE SQUAD TO FACE TONGA
Saturday 4 July, 2026
Nations Cup, Round 1
Dicks Sporting Goods Park, Denver, Colorado
15 Tapiwa Mafura (unattached, 12 caps)
14 Trevor Gurwe (Ok Man Rugby, 8 caps)
13 Brandon Mudzekenyedzi (Dubai Hurricanes, 13 caps)
12 Kudzai Mashawi (Harare Sports Club, 29 caps)
11 Edward Sigauke (Emeris Rugby Club, 9 caps)
10 Ian Prior (Associates Rugby Club, 8 caps)
9 Hilton Mudariki (Old Hararians Rugby Club, 48 caps) – captain
1 Victor Mupunga (US Bourg-En-Bresse, 12 caps)
2 Matthew Mandioma (C.P. Les Abelles, 55 caps)
3 Michael Kumbirai (SOC Rugby, 1 cap)
4 Gary Porter (DHL Stormers, 1 cap)
5 Godfrey Muzanargwo (Valke, 27 caps)
6 Tinotenda Mavesere (The Sharks, 14 caps)
7 Dylan Utete (Villagers RFC, 7 caps)
8 Jason Fraser (USON Nevers Rugby, 7 caps)
Replacements:
16 Bryan Chiang (Old Hararians Rugby Club, 2 caps)
17 Tijde Visser (Rugby Club Massy Essonne, 1 cap)
18 Cleopas Kundiona (Northampton Saints, 16 caps)
19 Tadiwanashe Gwashu (Harare Sports Club, 7 caps)
20 Simbarashe Siraha (Gernika Rugby Club, 9 caps)
21 Tyrone Gombe (UCT Tigers, uncapped)
22 Bruce Houston (US Bourg-En-Bresse, 2 caps)
23 Dion Khumalo (Cobras Rugby SRA, 8 caps)