Namibian rugby is set to benefit from a rule change by World Rugby that allows players to switch nationalities as former Scottish international, Byron McGuigan announced his willingness to represent the country of his birth.

A new World Rugby rule makes players eligible to represent a different country after a stand-down period of three years. A player can move to a nation of their, parents’ or grandparents’ birth, but can only switch allegiance once. The rule came into effect in January 2022.

According to a recent report by Planet Rugby, the 33-year-old Walvis Bay-born fullback, McGuigan, is considering a change of nationality, potentially making him eligible to represent the Namibia national team. This could provide the player with the opportunity to compete in the Rugby World Cup.

Yesterday, McGuigan told New Era he is excited to represent the country of his birth if selected.  "This is true. I’m actually in Namibia from 29 January to meet the coach and get my passport sorted. "I’m confident and very excited at the opportunity to represent Namibia. "I was born in Namibia so it brings me great honour and pride to play for the country."

Chrysander Botha, the assistant coach of Namibia’s senior men’s national rugby team, also a Walvis Bay-born former fullback, said that the decision by McGuigan to change his allegiance to Namibia would greatly benefit the team ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

McGuigan was born in Walvis Bay in 1989 and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. He represented Scotland on the international stage.  He made his debut for Scotland in 2011 against New Zealand and has a total of 10 caps for Scotland’s senior team and six caps for the sevens team. His last cap for Scotland came during the 2020 Six Nations.

His decision to represent Namibia in the highly-anticipated tournament would be a significant boost for the team, adding his valuable skills and experience to the team.

In an interview with this publication, Botha stated that McGuigan’s potential change of nationality and representation of Namibia’s national team could come at a crucial time. He noted that his extensive experience in the sport could provide valuable depth to the team and that this move could be beneficial for both himself and the country’s rugby. “It would be a mutually beneficial decision, should it come to fruition. The player in question brings a wealth of experience having competed at the highest level throughout his career, which would undoubtedly provide an invaluable asset to the national team,” said Botha.

The Namibia rugby team has secured a spot in the tournament on five previous
occasions. This year marks the team’s sixth appearance in the event, and they will be hoping to register their first-ever world cup victory.  According to the assistant coach, McGuigan’s potential change to represent Namibia at the world cup could come at a pivotal moment for the team as it endeavours to claim its first Rugby World Cup match win.

“For me, the move would be the best for the team and him as a player. We are fighting to have our first win at the world cup and having him on our team will add more quality to the team. We are hoping to see him make the move,” said the confident Botha.

Namibia is in Group A alongside host country France, Uruguay, Italy and heavyweights New Zealand.

mkambukwe@nepc.com.na