Jacques Burger, the newly-appointed director of Rugby at the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU), has spelled out his strategic plans for the national team, aiming to secure a historic eighth World Cup appearance in 2027.
Speaking at a media conference at the Hage Geingob Stadium, he expressed excitement about taking on the role.
“I’m obviously extremely excited. It’s been a dream of mine from a very young age to represent my country. I’ve been fortunate enough to do that. To be in a director role where I can make a difference truly makes a difference in the way we run our rugby. The way we play our rugby and the way we feel about our rugby throughout the community is something that I’m really excited about,” he said.
With the upcoming 2027 World Cup qualifiers looming, he outlined a busy schedule for the Welwitschias.
To prepare for these crucial matches, the team will play a series of friendly games, including two matches against Tshwane-based outfit Blue Bulls, and Cape Town-based rugby club, the Stormers.
A local knockout competition will be introduced to provide valuable game-time for domestic players.
“We’ve got two games that have been confirmed, the Bulls and the Stormers’ games. That’s going to be in June next year before our games in Uganda for the qualifiers, which is going to be extremely important. Hopefully, by that time, we’ll have all our foreign-based players back in, ready to go. In regard to the local league, there’s a competition being set up, which is going to be like a knockout competition that needs to be pushed hard,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of game- time for the players.
“I think a lot of the local players need that exposure, and need more game-time. I think that’s the main thing for all of us. We need to get on the pitch. We need to play as much as possible to get better, and to give the guys something to look forward to,” Burger stated.
H acknowledged the growing competitiveness of African rugby.
“Credit to all the African teams who’ve invested in their rugby, and making sure that they keep growing and competing now. Obviously, last year in the African Cup, we saw that we are lagging . We are falling behind,” he stressed.
“Zimbabwe, hats off to them for what they’ve done. They’ve shown to the people from the outside – to their foreign players that -’listen, we’ve got a shot’ . They smell blood in the water, so let’s put Namibia away. They’ve put all their eggs into one basket. They’re going to be extremely hyped up. They’re going to be well-prepared,” he said.
For the Welwitschias to overcome these challenges and secure a place at the World Cup in Australia, the former Saracens player believes Namibia must focus on improving player fitness, skill levels, and game management.
“I think, if we can focus on that, improve our players’ fitness levels and the way we play, our skills, and everything, then I’m very, very positive about the qualifying route. But it’s going to be our toughest qualifying group yet,” he revealed.
Burger played as a flanker.
He made his debut for the Welwitschias in 2006. Over his international career, he earned 45 caps for Namibia.
He represented the country in World Cups, starting from 2007.
His most notable appearances came in the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups, where he captained the team during some of their toughest matches.
He said his most memorable match was playing against All Black at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England, where Namibia fell short with a scoreline of 58-17.
“It was a great feeling playing against a team like that. We happened to have the most support. It was a great time for us at the World Cup. But, I do have so many memorable moments,” he said.
-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na