Zimbabwe Rugby Union rejects Sables accommodation claim ahead of 2027 World Cup

The Zimbabwe Rugby Union has rejected claims that Sables players were housed in a run-down property during preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. The union said the building shown in circulating images was never used for official national team accommodation.

The claims appeared in a Facebook post containing 11 photographs of the property. The post alleged that the house was being used by players in camp and that members of the Sables had called it the “ghost house”.

ZRU said the property had no official connection to the national team. It is not leased, operated or managed by the union, and had not been selected as accommodation for players preparing for the World Cup or serving on national duty.

The post also alleged that the Sables were owed US$15,000 in qualification bonuses. ZRU’s response did not address that claim, focusing instead on the property and its reported association with the team.

The union has opened an investigation into how the images became linked to the national side and the circumstances behind the claims. It said the inquiry would establish the facts surrounding the photographs and references to the Sables.

ZRU said player welfare, the integrity of the national team and Zimbabwe Rugby’s reputation were priorities. It also warned that any conduct found through the investigation to breach Zimbabwean law would be treated seriously.

The union called on the public and media to avoid treating unverified allegations as established facts while the investigation continues. The Sables are preparing for the 2027 World Cup in Australia after securing their place in the tournament.