Harare Sports Club was the stage for a historic moment in Zimbabwean rugby as the inaugural Grid Cup concluded with the Sun Rays lifting the trophy in a thrilling finale. In a groundbreaking initiative led by Kyros Sports and title sponsor Grid Cup, franchise rugby made its debut in Zimbabwe — and it delivered exactly what fans had hoped for: intensity, quality, and a glimpse into the future of elite rugby in the country.
This first edition introduced four new franchises, each captained by a senior Sables player:
Sun Rays led by Dion Khumalo,
Nguni Bulls captained by Aiden Burnett,
Impis under Kudzai Mashawi,
Valley Blades guided by national skipper Hilton Mudariki.
The aim was simple yet ambitious — bring together the best rugby talent in Zimbabwe under a competitive draft system and create a professional-standard environment that mirrors global rugby leagues. Only drafted players could participate, ensuring the tournament represented the very best across the country.
The concept proved to be a masterstroke. Fans witnessed fast, physical, high-level rugby, with Sables stars showcasing their class while emerging players grabbed the chance to prove themselves on a bigger stage. The Sun Rays, consistent throughout the tournament, saved their sharpest performance for the final where they displayed cohesion, pace, and strong defensive structures to seal the championship title.
For a debut competition, the Grid Cup exceeded expectations. It provided crucial high-performance game time for national players, introduced a new level of professionalism, and set a solid foundation for future editions. More importantly, it showed that franchise rugby has a home in Zimbabwe — and the appetite for it is only growing.
If the first edition is anything to go by, the Grid Cup is poised to become a major pillar in Zimbabwean rugby’s revival.
