The Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) has announced the return of the highly anticipated Nedbank Zimbabwe Rugby Challenge Cup, kicking off on 29 March 2025 at Machinery Exchange Harare Sports Club, with the final set for 5 April 2025 at the same venue.

This year’s edition promises to be bigger and more inclusive, with a strong focus on women’s rugby, youth development, and club excellence. In a major highlight, the Zimbabwe Sables Women’s team and Junior Sables U20 Women’s team will feature prominently, with the Lady Sables using the tournament as a warm-up for their Rugby Africa Division One campaign in Ivory Coast. The tournament will open with a historic Junior Women vs. Senior Women clash, setting the stage for an action-packed event.

The Nedbank Challenge Cup remains a crucial platform for grooming future rugby stars, with the Nedbank Grassroots to Greatness U20 team facing Harare Sports Club in a much-anticipated Round One match. Rising talents such as Dion Khumalo and Takudzwa Musingwini have benefited from this pathway, progressing to African Champion status at junior and senior levels.

Defending champions Harare Sports Club will look to secure a third consecutive title, but they face stiff competition in a tournament that features five key matches, including showdowns between Pitbulls vs. Manicaland and Old Hararians vs. Matabeleland.

The Nedbank Challenge Cup 2025 will bring together fans, players, and communities in a celebration of sportsmanship and national pride. Entry is just $2, with children in uniform entering for free, making it an accessible, family-friendly event.

_{(Source: ZRU Press Statement)}