Windhoek, 6 November (HS). The Namibian Rugby Union (NRU) on Tuesday appointed a Namibian coaching team to lead the team in its 2025 Rugby World Cup qualifier campaign.
The notable appointment is that of Jacques Berger, a retired Namibian rugby union loose forward and former captain, who has been appointed Director of Rugby, replacing South Africa's Alistair Coetzee.
The NRU, in a media brief and on its social media pages, announced the full coaching team, which includes another fellow and former Namibian rugby player, Chrisander Botha as head coach, Jaco Engels, Rohan Kitshoff and David Philander as assistant coaches and strength. and conditioning coach, Sergio de la Harpe.
This year, the Namibian team lost to eventual winners Zimbabwe in the semi-finals of the Rugby Africa Cup.
The 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, to be held in Uganda, is a two-year qualification tournament for the 2027 men's Rugby World Cup, organized by World Rugby. Reigning Rugby Africa Cup champions Zimbabwe won against Algeria in the final match of the 2024 tournament held in July.
The 2025 tournament will feature Zimbabwe, Algeria, Namibia, Kenya, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire. According to World Rugby, the Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 will be held in Australia and 24 teams will participate.