… Qualify for next year’s IRB Trophy
WINDHOEK – Namibia’s U-19 rugby squad completed their qualification for next year’s International Rugby Board (IRB) Junior World Rugby Trophy in astounding fashion when they humiliated Kenya by 51-8 to win the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) Division 1-A U/19 Championship, on Saturday at the Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit, South Africa.
The 2014 IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy will take place next year in Hong Kong, China for the 7th consecutive year. This annual U/20 global showpiece is contested by eight junior national teams with an under-20 age requirement. The Junior World Rugby Trophy is the second level of the IRB tournament structure for under-20 national sides.
The winner of the Trophy competition gets to play in next year’s championship, while the last placed team at the championship will be relegated to the Trophy.
Prior to Saturday’s final, Namibia had earlier booked their place in the final when they hammered Madagascar 64-22 following an inspiring performance from the youngsters. The Namibians certainly proved their determination and hunger for international success.
Speaking to New Era Sport yesterday, NRU Board Member Wacca Kazombiaze, who attended the final said he was satisfied with the overall performance of the team, adding that their ball handling and composure had dramatically improved. “The determination and spirit is there, all that the team needs is to be properly reconditioned and their fitness well taken care of because the boys are already highly motivated,” said Kazombiaze.
By Otniel Hembapu