Zim’s Tapuwa Chabata Helps Break Guinness Rugby Re...

Zim’s Tapuwa Chabata Helps Break Guinness Rugby Record in Ireland

Munyaradzi Blessing Doma- Zim Now Writer

What once seemed impossible was made a reality through sheer resilience and determination, as the Guinness World Records for the longest rugby games ever played were recently shattered in Ireland.

The record-breaking matches, held at Mullingar Rugby Club, featured both men’s and women’s teams and were not only aimed at making history but also at raising funds for charity.

Among the players who made history was former Zimbabwean rugby player Tapuwa Chabata, who featured in one of the men’s teams.

The previous Guinness World Record for the longest rugby game stood at 30 hours, 29 minutes, and 41 seconds, but the recent event extended that to a gruelling 36 hours. The results are now pending official verification by Guinness World Records.

Speaking from his base in the United Kingdom, the 53-year-old Chabata expressed immense pride in his personal achievement and the opportunity to put Zimbabwe on the global sports map.

“I represented Wooden Spoon, which is a rugby charity for children. I feel proud of what I have achieved personally and for putting Zimbabwe on the sports map,” said an ecstatic Chabata.

“What I’ve done and achieved goes beyond the final whistle.”

Chabata reflected on how rugby has shaped his life.

“Rugby has taught me many things — how to work as a team, how to lead, how to dig deep.
But above all, it taught me resilience — the ability to face whatever life throws at me, head-on, with courage, confidence and grit.

"To stand tall and say, ‘I’ve got this.’ These past few days, I’ve realised that in spades. I acknowledge my family, friends, teammates, and support crew — they helped lift me up. But ultimately, I did this.

"I pushed through pain, fatigue, the elements, and doubt. I forced my body and mind to break through barriers and go beyond anything most people will ever attempt. That’s my definition of the spirit of rugby — and I’ve just redefined it.”

When asked if he was considering retirement after such an extraordinary feat, Chabata responded:

“Please allow me a moment to let this sink in — being a (pending official verification!) Guinness World Record holder. More than that, I believe I’ve become a game changer, a fundraiser, and a community hero. Not all heroes wear capes or have superpowers.

"Personally, I’ve raised £938 so far and still aim to reach my target of £1,500. The charity itself has raised about £113,000, surpassing the original target of £100,000.”

Reflecting on the entire experience, Chabata said: “It’s been a wild ride, but the pain will fade and the memories will last forever. I’ll be able to share this story with my grandchildren one day.

"Rugby won at the end of the day. I also have a few ideas on how we can channel sport in Zimbabwe to support community development projects.

"I’m a firm believer that #rugbyislife. Sport is a powerful tool for building stronger communities.”

Chabata revealed that due to injuries, players ended up doing more than their planned stints as it was necessary to maintain 15 players on the pitch at all times during the challenge.

“I personally played for at least 30 hours. We initially had one-hour breaks per person, but with injuries, many of us had to do more.”

Chabata said he will forever cherish the memory of joining 92 men and women who pushed themselves to the limit for a shared cause that transcends the game itself.

Born in Mount Darwin, Chabata discovered his passion for rugby at Chaplin High School in Gweru. He later became the first captain of the Zimbabwe Universities and Colleges team.

He served in the Zimbabwe National Army from 1993 to 2000 before relocating to the United Kingdom, where he is now based.