Richard Tsimba became the first black player to play for the Zimbabwe national team when he made his debut at centre against the Soviet Union in 1986 in a 26-19 win. He won 23 caps for his country and played in two Rugby World Cups, scoring twice against Romania in his side’s opening match at the inaugural tournament. Called the ‘Black Diamond’ for his dazzling qualities, Richard was tragically killed in a car accident in 2000.

Despite playing a modest five tests for Zimbabwe, Richard’s younger brother Kennedy ensured his legacy in Zimbabwean rugby when he became the first black player to captain the Sables in September 1998. He also represented his country at Rugby World Cup Sevens 1997 in Hong Kong. The supremely gifted fly-half played his best rugby for the Bloemfontein-based Cheetahs, accumulating over 1,000 points during five years with the franchise.