WINDHOEK – The Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) this week moved another step into the right direction when the Union appointed two highly experienced former Welsh internationals to assist the Welwitchias in various departments during their Windhoek Draught Northern Hemisphere Tour.
Namibia will kick off their Northern Hemisphere Tour with a crucial tie against Canada today in Colwyn Bay, Wales.
The newly appointed former Welsh internationals Phil Davies and Wayne Proctor will be involved with the team’s Players Reconditioning and Technical departments during the safari, which serves as the country’s 2015 IRB World Cup preparatory tour.
Davies, a former Welsh captain, was appointed as a technical advisor and Proctor will assist with reconditioning the players.
The pair also assisted Namibia in their international test match against the visiting Germans in Windhoek recently.
NRU CEO, Sybrand de Beer, said Davies and Proctor were invited to join the senior team’s coaching staff in a support role following the African Qualification Tournament in Madagascar in July.
“We held a review meeting with the coaching staff after the tournament in Madagascar to establish what was required to assist them in their planning and execution for our World Cup campaign”.
De Beer said the coaching staff indicated that they would welcome the input and advice of someone who had played at the highest level.
“Phil played in 48 test matches for Wales, including the 1987 and 1991 Rugby World Cup tournaments, and spent two seasons with the Cardiff Blues.
“His experience and knowledge of local conditions will be crucial in the Welwitchias preparation for the 2015 World,” said de Beer.
The Strength and Conditioning Consultant, Wayne Proctor, played 39 times for Wales and until last year was a member of the Wales Sevens team coaching staff.
Proctor will be part of the coaching staff for all three matches on tour but Davies will not travel with the team to France and England.
De Beer also added that the NRU board approved their appointment on condition that a performance review would be done after every phase of Namibia’s preparation for the World Cup.