Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) has announced a series of high-profile warm-up matches for the national team, the Welwitschias, as part of their preparation for the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup and a bid to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
NRU Chief Executive Officer John Heynes confirmed on Tuesday that the matches will begin in June.
He said that these games are expected to play a crucial role in building team cohesion and fitness ahead of the continental tournament scheduled for 6–20 July in Uganda.
“These matches offer vital preparation and a chance for fans to enjoy top-tier rugby on home soil. The NRU urges all rugby lovers to show up and back the boys as they chase World Cup qualification,” said Heynes.
The union hopes the home fixtures will boost fan engagement and build momentum for the national side’s campaign.
The Welwitschias are expected to face strong opposition from both African and international teams.
NRU director of rugby, Jacques Burger, emphasised the importance of the matches in testing local players’ readiness for the high-intensity demands of international rugby.
“There is a lot to improve on. The intensity of international rugby games is higher than that of local games. I was impressed with the level of our games after the Boland Cavaliers game. I can see there is an improvement, but there is still a big gap between our international games,” said Burger.
Burger noted that some matches will be hosted in Walvis Bay as part of the NRU’s efforts to bring rugby closer to fans outside Windhoek.
He added that future matches could be scheduled in other regions, given the growing interest in the sport.
The confirmed match fixtures are:
- 14 June: Welwitschias vs Uganda – Walvis Bay High School, Walvis Bay
- 21 June: Welwitschias vs Airlink Pumas – Hage Geingob Stadium, Windhoek
- 27 June: Namibia vs Italy – Hage Geingob Stadium, Windhoek
