Limba Mupetami
As the national rugby side, the Welwitschias, gear up for their test match against Portugal tomorrow at 15h00 at the Dr Hage Geingob Stadium, CEO of the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) John Heynes has outlined a bold vision for the future of rugby in Namibia.
Speaking exclusively with this publication, he detailed the union’s strategic plans and aspirations.
Vision for rugby in Namibia
Heynes emphasised the union’s commitment to making rugby the number one sport in the country for both men and women.
“There is a lot of work that must go into the strategic plan of the union,” he said.
He highlighted the recent progress and stability within the local rugby scene, noting that despite the challenges faced during their World Rugby campaign, the union is moving forward with a focus on rebuilding towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Strategic plans and investment
The union has laid out an ambitious agenda for the year, including a series of domestic and international events.
“We need investment from local businesses,” Heynes stated, underscoring the importance of financial support for their initiatives.
The union’s activities for this year included hosting the Vodacom Blue Bulls last weekend, tomorrow’s test match against Portugal, the Ongos 7’s tournament and the Regional 15’s competition.
The rugby season, which has been running since March, is set to conclude in November, ensuring a year-round schedule for the sport.
Expanding footprint, focus
Heynes shared the union’s goal of establishing a presence in all 14 regions of Namibia within the next five years.
He stressed the importance of focusing on local competition before expanding internationally.
“Our discussion with World Rugby was to focus on local competition,” he said.
The union aims to build a strong foundation for women’s rugby, acknowledging that countries like South Africa and Zimbabwe are currently ahead in terms of development.
“We have six teams playing in the domestic competition, and the sevens competition will include a women’s component,” he noted.
The third phase of the Regional 15s will also feature a women’s division, with plans already in place for further development.
Heynes envisions a future where rugby becomes the sport of choice for boys and girls at the school level, working closely with the Namibia Schools Sports Union to achieve this goal.
Coach Coetzee’s perspective
On the coaching front, Welwitschias’ coach Allister Coetzee remains optimistic, despite a recent 92-8 defeat by the Blue Bulls.
“There is a lot of work that has gone into the team,” he said, noting improvements and the return of injured players.
He emphasised the importance of giving local players the opportunities and exposure they need, rather than relying heavily on international players.
The Welwitschias squad:
Jason Benade, Obert Nortje, Haitembu Shikufa, Adriaan Ludick, Johan Retief, Prince !Gaoseb, Max Katjitjeko, Adriaan Booysen, Jacques Theron, Tiaan Swanepoel, Lloyd Jacobs, Danco Burger, Alcino Isaacs, Querion Majiedt and Jay cee Nel.
Substitutes
Armand Combrinck, Desiderius Sethie, Chemigan Beukes, Ruan Ludick, Pieter Diergaardt, AJ Kearns, Denzo Bruwer and Hillian Beukes.
The Portugal squad:
Francisco Fernandes, Luka Begic, Diogo Hasse Ferreira, Αvtovio Andrade, Duarte Torgal, Jose Madeira, Nicolas Martins, Joao Granate, Hugo Camacho, Domingos Cabral, Rodrigo Marta, Tomas Appleton (C), Jose Lima, José Paiva Dos Santos and Manuel Cardoso Pinto.
Substitutes
Cody Thomas, Pedro Vicinite, Antonio Prim, Diego Pinheiro, Vasco Baptista, Pedro Lucas, Manuel Vareiro and Simao Bento.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na