…money still major snag
WINDHOEK – After announcing a 28-member squad for training in preparation for various upcoming Sevens rugby tournaments in Europe and Africa, Chief Executive Officer of the Namibian Rugby Union (NRU) Sybrand De Beer yesterday said participation in the European events is however not certain yet, owing to continuing financial constraints.
With the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) Sevens rugby tournament and CAR Sevens Cup both slated for September and November later this year, as well as another International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens tournament slated for Italy in June, De Beer said as much as they would love to participate in all those competitions, constant financial difficulties keep hampering progress in local rugby and their chances of playing in the said tournaments remain uncertain. A hopeful De Beer however said the NRU would do its utmost best to ensure Namibia participates in the CAR Cup in Nairobi, Kenya in September, but prior to the CAR Cup competition, De Beer said the national Sevens team would at least compete in two South African Sevens rugby tourneys to help prepare them well for the CAR Cup.
The NRU chief executive added that he is not bothered by Namibia’s absenteeism at most European competitions, because during the month of June many of the country’s international players are not available for national selection and that makes it difficult for most African countries. “We can’t waste money and send an amateur squad to one of these European competitions, because most of our international players are not available for the national team, so it’s always better to play in African tournaments where the level of competition is well balanced,” explained De Beer. The NRU has for some time now been without a headline sponsor following the departure of MTC as main sponsor of Namibian Rugby.
Selected members of the training squad:
Morton van Kradenburg, Anvor van Wyk, Attie du Plessis, Aurillio Plato, Dirk Human, Gregory Stein, Greyling Koopman, Kevin Harding, Lean Stoop, Morne Prenn, James Kisting, Henry Kandjou, Felix Humphries, Desley Beukes, Nandivatu Karuuombe, William Jacobs, Wickus Blaauw, Sven Reimos, Huscit Visagie, Victor Giggs, Cedric Haraseb, Justin Nell, Tuna Amutenya, Tinus du Plessis, PJ van Lill, Jacque Nel and Johan Tromp.
By Otniel Hembapu