The Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) has announced a preliminary squad as preparations intensify ahead of the Rugby World Cup Final Qualification Tournament.

It is scheduled to take place in Dubai from 8 to 18 November.

Namibia will join Belgium, Samoa, Brazil and Paraguay in the battle for the final available spot at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The Welwitschias booked their place in the final qualification round after a convincing 86-29 victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE), keeping their World Cup hopes alive. 

The tournament will follow a round-robin format at a neutral venue, with the overall winner securing qualification for the global showpiece.

Namibia, who narrowly missed automatic qualification after a defeat to Zimbabwe, will now be looking to redeem themselves and extend their proud record of World Cup appearances.

In a statement, the NRU said they remain confident in the team’s ability to qualify despite past setbacks.

“The fight is not over. Our boys will regroup, refocus and come back stronger. Let’s rally behind them as the journey continues,” the NRU expressed.

The selected squad features a blend of experience and youth, with several seasoned campaigners returning alongside promising local talents.

Full squad

Otja Auala, Joshua Bester, Aranos Coetzee, Gianluca Savoldelli, Haitembu Shikufa, Herschell van Wyk. Armand Combrinck, Edward Drotsky, Louis van der Westhuizen, Torsten van Jaarsveld.

Tiaan de Klerk, Oliver Kurz, Adriaan Ludick, Johan Retief and Johan Luttig.

Adriaan Booysen, Wian Conradie, Riaan Grové, Prince !Gaoseb, Richard Hardwick and Max Katjijeko.

Andrew James Kearns, Helarius Kisting, Jacques Theron.

Cliven Loubser, Tiaan Swanepoel, Andre van der Berg.

Danco Burger, Johan Deysel, Alcino Isaacs, Le Roux Malan and Jay-Cee Nel.

Jürgen Meyer, Aston Mukwiilongo, Divan Rossouw and Danie van der Merwe.