Windhoek – Namibia’s U/20 rugby team yesterday narrowly missed out on a chance to win bronze at the just-ended 2018 World Rugby Trophy in Romania, when the Namibian youngsters went down 67-36 against a hard-running Portugal side at Bucharest’s National Stadium.

With yesterday’s defeat against Portugal, Namibia who won two and lost two of their four matches at the global rugby showpiece, ended fourth overall behind Portugal, Samoa and Fiji. 

Namibia’s two victories were recorded against Hong Kong and Romania, while their two defeats came at the hands of ruthless Samoa and Portugal. 

Namibia also participated in the 2014 edition of the U/20 Trophy and finished in 6th place and also managed to secure a place at the 2015 tournament after they beat Kenya at the finals of Rugby Africa’s Under 19 Championship. 

This year’s tournament marked the 11th edition of the competition, with host nation Romania, along with seven other sides, playing in a group stage followed by a knockout round to determine a champion as well as promotion to the following years’ World Rugby U/20 Championship.