Uncapped Stormers lock Gary Porter called into Zimbabwe squad to face South Africa A

Zimbabwe have called up uncapped Stormers lock Gary Porter for their training squad ahead of Saturday’s World Rugby Nations Cup clash against South Africa A at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on 20 June.

Porter, 29, qualifies for the Sables through his Bulawayo-born mother and has been on Zimbabwe’s radar for some time. Standing two metres tall and weighing 115 kg, the lock is expected to add significant ballast to Zimbabwe’s tight five as they prepare for a run of fixtures against South Africa A, Tonga, the USA and Canada in the inaugural global tournament.

The lock has previously represented Western Province and spent time in the English Championship with Ealing Trailfinders before returning to the Stormers. Speaking to Zimbabwe sports journalist Adam Theo, Porter cited head coach Pieter Benade as the decisive factor in his commitment to the Sables.

“After meeting coach Piet, I already knew the type of team he would run and what the culture would be like,” Porter said. “I wanted to play for a coach like Piet and for Zim, but also to play rugby at the highest level on an international stage. I think our chances are really strong against the South Africa A team as well as hopefully winning the Nations Cup.”

Should Porter make the matchday 23, he will face a familiar opponent in the opposing second row: his Stormers teammate Ruben van Heerden, who has been named in the South Africa A line-up.

The Nations Cup carries added significance for Zimbabwe beyond the immediate fixtures. The Sables are set to make their return to the Rugby World Cup after a 26-year absence when Australia hosts the tournament next year, and Porter will be hoping strong performances in June cement his place in those plans.