Windhoek
Local rugby followers can look forward to a near full strength Namibian rugby fifteen in action when the Welwitschias host Russia in the first of two test matches in the Windhoek Draught Friendship Series at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek on July 11.
Nambia Rugby Union (NRU) General Manager John Williams says the majority of players in the preliminary training group for the IRB Rugby World Cup will be available for selection for the two test matches.
However, the trio of PJ van Lill, Johannes Coetzee and Danie Dames are unlikely to make it to Windhoek in time for the opening test.
“PJ and Coetzee are engaged in sorting out administrative matters in France where the pair play club rugby while Dames is unable to be in Windhoek on Monday as a result of an injury while attending to the birth of his newborn baby.”
Also expected in the Namibian capital is Sharks loose forward Renaldo Bothma who on Tuesday announced he would join Japanese outfit Verblitz after the World Cup on a two-month contract. Following the four-week tour to Tunisia and Romania last month, the players were given an extended break and the squad will assemble in Windhoek this weekend.
Newly appointed backline coach Pieter Rossouw will also join the group.