Namibia’s national U/20 rugby team wrapped up an outstanding campaign at the 2025 Barthés Trophy in emphatic style, securing an 81–7 victory over Tunisia in their final match at the Old Hararians Sports Club in Harare, Zimbabwe yesterday.
Tunisia’s young side struggled to contain a relentless Namibian attack, with three early tries setting the tone for a 13-try rout. Two standout performances came from left-winger Jurgen-David Meyer and outside-centre Petrus Tromp, who each scored hat-tricks.
Lock JP Campbell added a brace to cap off a commanding display.
Lock Mohamed Yassine Dimassi scored Tunisia’s consolation try.
The triumph marks Namibia’s return to the top of Africa’s premier youth rugby competition after a seven-year drought, having previously won the inaugural Barthés Trophy titles in 2017 and 2018.
Kenya were champions in 2019, 2021 and 2022.
Under the guidance of head coach Ben Burger, the young Namibians produced a flawless performance throughout the tournament, finishing unbeaten and showcasing their dominance across all three fixtures. In their final game against Tunisia, Namibia ran in an impressive 13 tries, conceding just one.
The team’s relentless attacking display and solid defensive organisation left their North African opponents with little room to respond. Standout performances from several key players not only ensured the win, but also solidified their growing reputation on the continental stage.
The path to the championship was paved with equally commanding wins in earlier rounds. On 19 April, Namibia opened their tournament with a convincing 41-22 win over hosts Zimbabwe.
Despite the home crowd advantage, Zimbabwe struggled to contain Namibia’s pace and power, with the Namibians capitalising on scoring opportunities and keeping their composure in crucial moments.
Four days later, on 23 April, Namibia faced off against the defending champions, Kenya.
In what was widely-expected to be their toughest challenge, the Namibians rose to the occasion and outplayed their East African rivals with a 32-22 victory.
The match was a showcase of disciplined rugby, where Namibia’s set-pieces and backline precision proved too much for Kenya to handle.
Tunisia, by contrast, had a more difficult campaign.
They began the tournament with a 29-21 loss to Kenya, showing early promise, but faltering as the match progressed.
Despite moments of strong play, Tunisia was unable to maintain their intensity. Kenya took advantage of defensive lapses to claim the win.
Their second fixture, against Zimbabwe on 23 April, turned into a one-sided affair.
Tunisia was overwhelmed by the hosts, losing 78-20 in a match that saw Zimbabwe score 10 tries.
Notable Zimbabwean players such as Alex Nyamunda, Simbarashe Kanyangarara, Edward Sigauke and Muzuva Gutu delivered standout performances, each contributing to the scoring tally with multiple tries.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe and Kenya were scheduled to battle it out for third place in the late kickoff yesterday, rounding off what has been a highly competitive and entertaining edition of the Barthés Trophy.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na