Hartpury’s Dale Lemon Sets Sights on 2027 Rugby World Cup with Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwe-born lock is targeting a place in the Sables squad for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia after joining Hartpury’s preparations for the new season and experiencing life within the national team setup.

Zimbabwe’s preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup have opened the door to new talent, with Hartpury forward Dale Lemon hoping to earn a place in the Sables squad for rugby’s biggest international tournament.

Lemon, who was born in Zimbabwe but moved to the United Kingdom at the age of six, is determined to prove his value as the African nation prepares for its return to the World Cup after a 36-year absence.

The lock has already had an opportunity to experience the national team environment after being included in a Zimbabwe training camp in June ahead of the summer internationals. However, a hamstring injury prevented him from being available for selection.

Despite the setback, Lemon remains focused on earning another opportunity to represent his country.

Lemon Targets a Place in Zimbabwe’s World Cup Squad

Speaking about his ambitions, Lemon explained that his interest in representing Zimbabwe began before the country secured qualification for the 2027 tournament.

His interest grew through connections with other Zimbabwe-qualified players, including Matthew McNab, who previously played for Hartpury and has represented the Sables.

Lemon believes that representing Zimbabwe at a Rugby World Cup would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Nevertheless, he recognises that earning selection will require consistent performances and a strong showing at club level.

Rather than relying solely on the excitement surrounding the upcoming tournament, the forward wants to establish himself as a reliable player who can contribute to the national team over the long term.

First Experience with the Sables

Lemon’s participation in Zimbabwe’s training camp provided an important introduction to the national team setup.

Although his injury ruled him out of the summer Test matches, he spent time with the squad and developed relationships with players competing in England, France and South Africa.

The experience gave him an insight into the team’s culture and the quality of the players competing for places.

Zimbabwe’s growing pool of internationally based talent has increased competition for selection, with the coaching staff able to consider players from several professional rugby environments.

For Lemon, the challenge now is to remain fit, perform consistently for Hartpury and demonstrate that he can meet the demands of international rugby.

Zimbabwe Builds Momentum Ahead of Australia 2027

The Sables have enjoyed a significant revival in recent years, winning consecutive Rugby Africa Cup titles and securing qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Their qualification was confirmed after Zimbabwe defeated Namibia 30–28 in the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup final in Kampala, Uganda.

The achievement ended a lengthy wait for Zimbabwean supporters, with the national team preparing to make its first World Cup appearance since 1991.

Zimbabwe has subsequently continued to strengthen its player pool, with eligible athletes based overseas increasingly considering opportunities to represent the country.

Lemon believes the national team has considerable potential, pointing to the quality of players already involved and the talent that remains available for future selection.

November Internationals Offer Another Opportunity

Zimbabwe’s upcoming international fixtures provide a potential pathway for Lemon to demonstrate his capabilities and strengthen his case for World Cup selection.

The Sables are scheduled to face Samoa and Uruguay in England during November, with a further fixture against Chile in France.

The location of the matches could make participation more manageable for Lemon, who must balance his professional responsibilities at Hartpury with his international ambitions.

He has indicated that his employers have been supportive of his rugby commitments, although discussions with the club will be necessary to manage any absence during the Championship campaign.

Selection will ultimately depend on fitness, form and the coaching staff’s assessment of the available players.

A World Cup Opportunity for Zimbabwean Rugby

Zimbabwe’s return to the global stage in 2027 represents an important opportunity to raise the profile of rugby across the country and throughout Africa.

The Sables will compete in Pool F against Wales, England and Tonga, facing three demanding opponents during the group stage in Australia.

For players such as Lemon, the tournament offers the prospect of competing on the biggest stage in international rugby while contributing to Zimbabwe’s ambitions.

His immediate priority, however, remains earning selection through strong performances and maintaining his fitness throughout the season.

If he succeeds, Lemon could become another valuable addition to a Zimbabwe squad seeking to make a lasting impression at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Source: Zim Sport Live, Champ Rugby and World Rugby.