today are finances and persistent emigration, as the lack of a professional setup has resulted in the most talented players seeking opportunity elsewhere, with many going on to play for the respective countries they ply their trade in. Despite Namibia and Zimbabwe having qualified for the RWC at different times, both of these countries were firmly within the South African orbit, and Zimbabwe had provided South Africa with a number of players such as Tendai Mtawarira, Gary Teichmann, Tonderai Chavanga and Ray Mordt. Regardless of these challenges, the country still produces dozens of quality rugby players who mostly ply their trade in England, Scotland, South Africa and Australia amongst others. Zimbabwe competes in the Gold Cup and plays regularly against Namibia, Kenya and Madagascar, which serves as its main World Cup qualifying tournament as well as on the international rugby sevens circuit. Popularity There are over 50,123 registered rugby union players in Zimbabwe, with more than 180 high schools and clubs across the country. Participation rates for rugby grew significantly between the national team's participation in their first ever world cup at the 1987 Rugby World Cup and the 1995 Rugby World Cup in nearby South Africa. Participation cooled off during the 2000s, however a spate of recent victories under former coach Liam Middleton has seen the team rise again. Rugby union gets moderate media coverage, often peaking in World Cup years, compared to more popular team sports such as association football and cricket. There are pockets where rugby is particularly popular, such as the city of Harare and the Mashonaland East region, especially Marondera with its high quality boarding schools. In addition, rugby seven tournaments often feature festive atmosphere and attract sell-out crowds. The union and national sides are based in the northern suburb of Alexandra Park. Additionally the domestic Super Six Rugby League (SSRL) plays host to the country's leading rugby clubs – Old Johnnians, Old Georgians, Old Hararians and Old Miltonians among others. The Zimbabwe Rugby Academy, the national development side which plays in the second division of the Currie Cup restoring old ties to South African rugby, with a number of players featuring in South African Currie Cup and Super Rugby sides. International rugby test matches tend to be hosted at Harare Sports Club, the Police Grounds and at Hartsfield in Bulawayo with a particularly strong rivalry with the Namibia national rugby union team. Tours by