Former Australia Under-20 half-back Ian Prior is set to help Zimbabwe’s ambitious bid to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The 33-year-old experienced halfback was named in Zimbabwe’s provisional squad for the Africa Cup later in July, which serves as the first stage towards qualification for the global tournament.
Prior was born in Queensland, Australia, but his mother comes from Zimbabwe and initially spent his early childhood in the Southern African nation.
His parents – Ivor and Caroline – moved from Zimbabwe to Australia in 1987 to start a family.
Just three years after Prior was born, they moved back to Zimbabwe in 1993 to be closer to his mother’s relatives.
Prior rose through the ranks in Queensland and in 2010 was called up to represent the Australian Under 20’s at the World Rugby Junior World Championship before securing a contract with Super Rugby giants the Queensland Reds a year later.
After one season with the Reds Prior made the move from Brisbane to Canberra when he signed for the Brumbies for two seasons before making the move to Perth when he signed for the Western Force.
During the 2017-2018 season Prior signed a short-term deal with the English Premier League side Harlequins before returning to Western Force, where he had a storied career.
The former Western Force captain – a regular scrumhalf who is also comfortable at fly-half – left the Perth side at the end of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Western Force paid tribute to Prior:
“The Club has made the difficult decision to not renew the 33-year-old’s contract, with Prior saluted in front of fans following the Force’s final home game of the 2024 season against the ACT Brumbies on Saturday night.
“Prior will go down in Club history as one of only three players to reach 100 Force caps. The scrum-half was also the Club captain for the Force’s 2019 National Rugby Championship title as well as the Force’s emotional return to Super Rugby in 2020 after being cut in 2017.”
After an initial bid for him to represent Zimbabwe failed to come to fruition, Prior will finally represent the Sables later this month in what could be the first step towards helping the country to their their first World Cup qualification since 1991.
ZIMBABWE TRAINING SQUAD
Forwards: Aiden Burnett (vice-captain), Tino Mavesere, Bornwell Gwinji, Brian Makamure, Brian Nyaude, Bryan Chiang, Cleopas Kundiona, David Makamba, Dylan Utete, Hilton Kamanda, Huntley Masterson, Jeff Makoni, Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Liam Larkan, Neil Mawere, Sean Beevor, Simba Mandioma, Simba Siraha, Tadiwa Gwashu, Tanaka Mpofu, Tapiwa Tsomondo, Tawanda Banda, Victor Mupunga, Vuyani Dhlomo, Zvikomborero Chimoto.
Backs: Hilton Mudariki (captain), Benoni Nhekairo, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Carlos Matematema, Darrell Makwasha, Dion Khumalo, Gamuchirai Nekati, Godfrey Magaramombe, Ian Prior, Keegan Joubert, Kudzi Mashawi (co-captain), Munyaradzi Ngandu, Taddy Dzandiwandira, Takudzwa Kumadiro, Takudzwa Musingwini, Tamuka Pamire, Tapiwa Mafura, TJ Maguranyanga, Trevor Gurwe.
