2016-01-27Staff Report 2 Windhoek Namibian rugby icon Andre Stoop sees light at the end of the tunnel for the overall growth of Namibian rugby following the Welwitschias’ courageous performance at last year’s International Rugby Board (IRB) World Cup finals in England. Stoop says Namibia has seen tremendous improvement since her debut at the global showpiece in 1999 (France) and the subsequent appearance at the 2003 IRB World Cup in Australia, where the Namibian part-timers suffered a record-breaking humiliating defeat at the hands of hosts Australia. The 1988 Namibian Sportsman of the Year award winner feels the team has made significant inroads into the tough and demanding rigours of international rugby but is quick to point out certain pertinent shortcomings. “Look, the crux of the matter is that you can’t compete in such a high-profile competition with the bulk of your playing personnel led by part-timers. Until such time our rugby becomes a fully-fledged professional set-up we are bound to struggle against top rugby nations because they have professionals in their squads.” The former Barbarian is adamant that a lack of continuity is another stumbling block. “Losing by big margins is always demoralizing but the players managed to pick themselves up in the last three world cups. “I must confess I was very impressed with the Welwitschias’ gallant showing in last year’s World Cup opening match against eventual World Cup champions New Zealand.” Pressed as to whether the generation of the giant-killing Biltongboere would have fared better, Stoop would not be drawn into making comparisons. “We speak about different eras but in all honesty we had an awesome team whom I think would have been very competitive.” “That was a closely bonded unit with a bunch of committed players oozing confidence, complemented by a great camaraderie in the dressing room. Above all, we had been playing together for a considerable period and that longevity certainly made the team to gel,” he says. Stoop scored 24 points for democratic Namibia in two seasons and was then lost to domestic rugby after he signed a professional contract to play rugby league with British leading outfit Wigan Warriors in 1991. He also had successful stints with London Crusaders and Keighley Cougars before returning to rugby union where he signed for Blackheath. 2016-01-27Staff Report 2
