Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The national senior rugby team, the Welwitschias, will face the Boland Cavaliers rugby team from South Africa in a 2027 Rugby World Cup preparation campaign match on Saturday at the Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium.
Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) vice president, Johan Diergaardt announced this week that the friendly game will go ahead without spectators.
This is in line with the government’s directives for sports organisers not to accommodate spectators during the mourning period of the founding president, Sam Nujoma, who died a week ago at the age of 95.
Diergardt lauded Nujoma’s leadership and influence on sports, stating that rugby has improved during the founding president’s leadership.
‘’Dr. Nujoma’s legacy reminds us of the transformative power of teamwork and community. Rugby is a sport deeply intertwined with our nation’s identity, fostering camaraderie and mutual respect among players and supporters alike,’’ he said.
The squad consists of Sidney Halupe, Edward Drotsky, Jason Benade, Ruan Ludick, Diomando Tjombe, Cameron Langenhoven, Bakkies Rossouw, Adrian Booysen, Jacques Theron, Denzo Bruwer, Jurgens Meyer, Danco Burger (captain), Alcino Izaacs, Owen Hawanga and Aston Mukwilongo.
Players on the substitutions are Kevin Cloete, Wikus Jacobs, Renard Hattingh, Thiaart Lindtvelt, Joe Losper, Gilad Plaatjies, Rowan Jansen, Kian Beyer, AJ Kearns, Geraldo Beukes, Hillian Beukes, JD Nel, Dylan Isaacs, Natie Janse van Rensburg and Quirione Majiedt.
