England forward ends retirement, swaps nations and will play England at 2027 World Cup
Rugby NewsFriday, 24 April 2026 at 12:40
Dave Ewers has linked up with the Zimbabwe on a trial, opening the door to a potential international comeback more than a decade after first being in the England setup.
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The 35-year-old brought his professional career to a close at the end of last season after a brief spell with the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship, seemingly drawing the curtain on a long and successful club journey.
However, according to an update from Hippos Fans Club on X, the powerful back-row has now joined the Zimbabwe training camp as they prepare for upcoming Tests against Zambia in the coming weeks.
Despite a career that included involvement with an England XV against the Barbarians in 2014, appearances for England Saxons against South Africa A in 2016, and multiple call-ups to England training squads under Eddie Jones, Ewers never earned a full Test cap for England. That long-awaited international debut could now come with Zimbabwe, the country of his birth.
Born in Zimbabwe before moving to England as a teenager, Ewers progressed through the Exeter Chiefs academy and went on to make over 200 appearances for the club, winning Premiership titles and a Champions Cup during a standout spell.
He later joined Ulster in 2023 before finishing his club career with the Stormers.
Zimbabwe’s packed schedule also includes a fixture against South Africa A, alongside their Nations Championship campaign later this year.
With qualification secured for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, a remarkable second act is now on the table — and Ewers could yet find himself not only back in Test rugby, but potentially facing England on the World Cup stage.
Rugby World Cup 2027 Full Draw: England and Wales meet again
England’s recent emphatic win over Wales adds extra spice to their upcoming meeting at the 2027 Men's Rugby World Cup, where the old rivals have been drawn together once again in the pool stage.
Pool A — New Zealand, Australia (H), Chile, Hong Kong China
Group summary
Pool A features tournament hosts Australia and three-time champions New Zealand, making it one of the headline groups of the opening phase. Chile and Hong Kong China will be targeting historic results, while the trans-Tasman clash between Australia and New Zealand is expected to be one of the most watched pool matches of the tournament.
Fixtures
Pool B — South Africa, Italy, Georgia, Romania
Group summary
Defending champions South Africa headline Pool B and begin their campaign against Italy. Georgia continue to establish themselves as a consistent World Cup presence, while Romania return aiming to challenge for third place and possible qualification via rankings.
Fixtures
- 3 October 2027 — South Africa vs Italy
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide - 3 October 2027 — Georgia vs Romania
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville - 10 October 2027 — South Africa vs Georgia
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane - 11 October 2027 — Italy vs Romania
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney - 17 October 2027 — Italy vs Georgia
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle - 17 October 2027 — South Africa vs Romania
Perth Stadium, Perth
Pool C — Argentina, Fiji, Spain, Canada
Group summary
Pool C blends South American consistency with Pacific flair. Argentina enter as favourites, while Fiji’s attacking threat makes them dangerous opponents for any side. Spain return to the World Cup looking to make an impact, and Canada continue their rebuilding process.
Fixtures
- 3 October 2027 — Argentina vs Canada
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane - 4 October 2027 — Fiji vs Spain
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle - 10 October 2027 — Fiji vs Canada
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide - 10 October 2027 — Argentina vs Spain
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne - 16 October 2027 — Argentina vs Fiji
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide - 17 October 2027 — Spain vs Canada
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
Pool D — Ireland, Scotland, Uruguay, Portugal
Group summary
Ireland and Scotland lead Pool D in what shapes as a tightly contested group. Uruguay and Portugal bring speed and tactical variety, with qualification likely to be decided by fine margins, discipline, and bonus points.
Fixtures
- 3 October 2027 — Scotland vs Uruguay
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne - 4 October 2027 — Ireland vs Portugal
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney - 10 October 2027 — Ireland vs Scotland
Perth Stadium, Perth - 11 October 2027 — Uruguay vs Portugal
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle - 17 October 2027 — Ireland vs Uruguay
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne - 17 October 2027 — Scotland vs Portugal
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Pool E — France, Japan, United States, Samoa
Group summary
France headline Pool E after reaching the previous final, with Japan expected to challenge strongly for second place. Samoa and the United States provide physicality and athleticism, making this one of the more unpredictable groups.
Fixtures
- 2 October 2027 — France vs United States
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne - 3 October 2027 — Japan vs Samoa
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle - 9 October 2027 — United States vs Samoa
Perth Stadium, Perth - 9 October 2027 — France vs Japan
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane - 15 October 2027 — Japan vs United States
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide - 17 October 2027 — France vs Samoa
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Pool F — England, Wales, Tonga, Zimbabwe
Group summary
Pool F is defined by the renewed rivalry between England and Wales, who will meet in one of the final pool fixtures in Sydney. Tonga’s physical style and Zimbabwe’s return to the World Cup add further intrigue, with third place potentially enough to reach the knockout stage depending on rankings.
Fixtures
16 October 2027 — England vs Wales
Stadium Australia, Sydney
Stadium Australia, Sydney
2 October 2027 — Wales vs Zimbabwe
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
2 October 2027 — England vs Tonga
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
8 October 2027 — Wales vs Tonga
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
8 October 2027 — England vs Zimbabwe
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
15 October 2027 — Tonga vs Zimbabwe
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
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