The Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) yesterday released fixtures for all domestic leagues for the upcoming 2022 season, which will see action get underway in earnest this weekend.

With clubs campaigning in the premier league, reserve league and the women’s division fully geared up for the new season, new NRU chief executive officer John Heynes yesterday confirmed that the leagues will for the umpteenth season have to go on without headline sponsors.

He said the union has been working round the clock to secure sponsors for the various leagues, especially for the men’s premier league, which serves as the core feeder for the national men’s side, the Welwitschias. 

With no principal funder yet on board for the premier league, teams have been surviving through individual club sponsors such as FNB, Trustco and Namibia Breweries Limited, but other smaller clubs also campaigning in the country’s top rugby division have been finding the going tough with no sponsors.

“We are talking to a few sponsors, and await some positive outcomes. Let me, however, take this opportunity to thank FNB for remaining committed to uplifting our local clubs. It is a valuable sponsorship that has helped the union with the development of rugby in Namibia,” said Heynes.

Although potential league sponsors remain amiss, Heynes said they expect smooth proceedings in all leagues, saying local fans should brace themselves for an exciting rugby season.

“We expect the league to run smoothly without hiccups. The union remains ready to give the league and clubs all the support they need.”

- mkambukwe@nepc.com.na