Zimbabwe’s Junior Sables have arrived in Kampala, Uganda, ahead of the 2026 Rugby Africa Under-20 Barthés Trophy, where they will battle Africa’s top emerging rugby nations for continental honours. The tournament runs from 7 to 15 August at Muteesa II Stadium in Kampala and serves as the continent’s premier age-group rugby competition.
Coached by Shaun De Souza, the Junior Sables head into the tournament determined to reclaim the title they last won in 2023 after narrowly missing out in the previous two editions. De Souza described the Barthés Trophy as one of Africa’s most important rugby development platforms, providing young players with invaluable international exposure and a pathway to higher levels of the game.
Zimbabwe will face stiff competition from defending champions Namibia, Kenya, Tunisia and the hosts Uganda as they seek a third continental crown. The Zimbabwe Rugby Union has expressed confidence in the squad, urging the nation to rally behind the Junior Sables as they begin their quest for African glory.
