Newly appointed Zimbabwe rugby coach Peter de Villiers' first task was to fly back to South Africa to identify and persuade some top locally based players to feature for the Sables ahead of the 2019 World Cup qualifiers, which begin in June.
But South Africa has not been the only destination for Zimbabwean talent, with some drifting further afield to Australia and Europe. There are those, such as Italy-based Sebastian Negri, Leicester Tigers' Don Armand and the Brumbies' Kyle Godwin, who have already featured for their host countries.
Others, however, are yet to make that decisive leap. KweséESPN looks at two Zimbabwe-born players plying their trade in the Aviva Premiership, whom De Villiers could target as he looks to strengthen the team.
Dave Ewers: Exeter Chiefs, England
Harare-born Ewers has been with Aviva Premiership side the Exeter Chiefs since 2010. Although he has long been touted in the English media as an exciting prospect, Ewers is yet to make his Three Lions bow despite coming close on a couple of occasions.
The 27-year-old could be a tempting target for De Villiers, who is looking to add more quality to a team whose fortunes have plummeted mightily in recent years.
Ewers' powerful runs, tackling and sheer industry have turned him into a crucial member of the Chiefs set-up, with only his frequent injury troubles holding him back at times.
Ewers returned from his latest setback in December and, after initially struggling to reclaim his place in the team, has since started in the Chiefs' last six matches.
His recovery may have come a little too late, however, with England coach Eddie Jones focusing on other options for the team's Six Nations rugby commitments.
Ewers, who has bagged 13 tries in 93 starts for the Chiefs, was called into camp in 2014 as England prepared for clashing with the Bavarians only to miss out on the match-day squad. He was to rub shoulders with the best again two years later but a maiden England cap just would not materialise.
Ewers left Zimbabwe as a 13-year-old to settle in England, where he first played for the Ivybridge Community College before joining the Chiefs in 2010.
Mike Williams: Leicester Tigers, England
Bulawayo-born Williams is enjoying another stellar campaign with Leicester Tigers, whom he joined from Worcester in 2015. The flanker/lock was rewarded for his fine performances with a two-year contract extension last November.
Just like Ewers, however, Williams has endured more than his fair share of challenges at the Aviva Premiership side with three broken-arm injuries over the last three years, slowing his progress.
The 26-year-old came close to making his England debut in September 2016, only for a broken arm to force him out of camp as the Three Lions prepared to tackle Australia.
Things have gone smoothly for him so far this season, although another England call-up is proving elusive. A new two-year contract which Williams promptly signed last November, is however ample testimony of his importance to Leicester's cause.
The flanker/lock, famed for his physical presence, was elated to be offered the chance to stay at Leicester for another two years.
"I didn't even have to think about it when I was offered an extension," Williams told theLeicester Mercury at the time. "I feel very privileged to be offered to stay for another two seasons.
"Tigers have been very good to me throughout the time I have been here, especially with all of my arm injuries. It was an easy decision to make and I am happy to be here."
Williams initially settled in South Africa after leaving Zimbabwe, captaining the Sharks at age-group level in 2010 and 2011 before joining the Blue Bulls in 2012. He would move to England the following year to join Worcester Warriors. He joined the Tigers in 2015.