WINDHOEK – The FNB Foundation handed over a staggering N$300 000 last week to the financially challenged Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) as part of the IRB Get Into Rugby programme.
The main focus is on youth development where schools, teachers and coaches are encouraged to involve young children in the oval ball game. The sponsorship marked a milestone in the history of domestic rugby as the bank announced an extension of its support to the NRU.
“The new sponsorship is earmarked to help introduce the International Rugby Board’s (IRB) Get Into Rugby programme in Namibia.The programme is part of the NRU’s efforts to introduce rugby to all corners of the country and the board’s strategy to support the growth of rugby globally in partnership with its affilates,” said Dixon Norval, FNB head of strategic marketing and communications.
Norval stressed that Namibian rugby has gone through a difficult process of change. “To maintain momentum and to ensure that we continue to achieve going forward will require more than a short term magic wand approach – it requires a vision of the future where talented Namibians from all walks of life will be able to represent their country in world cups.”
FNB shares the dream of the nation that Namibia will not only continue to qualify for the Rugby World Cup – but also that Namibia will go beyond the first round in future world cups.
“We sincerely hope that the IRB Get IntoRugby development programme, made possible by the contribution by the FNB Foundation, will help this dream come true and that the great game of rugby will be passionately played and supported across our country.”
Norval said that rugby is one of the most popular sport codes in the country. “Namibia has produced a number of top international rugby players such as Namibian-born Percy Montgomery and Jan Ellis, Sias Swart and Lofty Fourie, who all earned Springbok colours.”
In modern years, Namibian rugby has produced world class players such as Welwtschias skipper Jacques Burger who plays for Saracens in England’s topflight league.
By Staff Reporter