Otniel Hembapu

Namibia’s young fullback Chad Plato has joined forces with Spanish rugby side Ferrol Rugby Club, which campaigns in that country’s Division-B of Honor (DoH) championship.

Ferrol Rugby Club have over the years been the dominant side in the Spanish Galician competition, and their most notable achievements are finishing as runners-up during the 2014 Xunta Cup and the Galician League 1 championships in the 2016/2017, 2017/2018, 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 seasons.  

Details around the duration of Plato’s contract with Ferrol Rugby Club and all other related information was still sketchy late yesterday, but the club had officially announced his arrival on their social media platforms.

“Today, we welcome Chad Zavier Plato to our club. Plato has represented the Namibian senior national team at the highest level, and has played union rugby at all lower categories. He recently scored two tries for Ferrol Rugby Club on his debut against the Muralla Rugby Club. We are excited, and welcome to Ferrol, Chad,” reads the club’s statement.

The 23-year-old Plato made his international debut for Namibia against Spain in 2018, and went on to make his first World Cup appearance for the Welwitschias against Italy during Namibia’s opening match at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. 

The Swakopmund-born fullback scored a try during the match in a losing cause, where Namibia were beaten 47-22 by Italy, an encounter that marked Namibia’s 20th consecutive defeat at the World Cup

He also had stints with the Pretoria Blue Bulls and Italian side Zebre Parma, which competes in the Italian United Rugby Championship.

- ohembapu@nepc.com.na