Namibia name 28-Man squad for 2025 Rugby Africa Cup

Namibia have unveiled their 28-man squad for the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, scheduled to run from July 8 to 19 at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.

The squad includes 16 players who featured in the 2023 Rugby World Cup and will be aiming to reclaim continental glory.

Namibia’s experienced lot

Among those who were in France in 2023 is Jason Benade, Aranos Coetzee, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Tiaan de Klerk, Adriaan Ludick, Adriaan Booysen, Wian Conradie, Richard Hardwick, Max Katjijeko, Johan Retief, Jacques Theron, Cliven Loubser, Tiaan Swanepoel, Andre van der Berg, Danco Burger, and Le Roux Malan.

In preparation for the tournament, Namibia’s Welwitschias edged Uganda 22-19 in a build-up fixture, although they later suffered a defeat to the Pumas.

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The squad also faced a stern test against Italy, where they lost 73-6.

The team head to Kampala in the wake of a major coaching change, following the resignation of head coach Chrysander Botha. His departure comes less than a year after taking over from Allister Coetzee.

Namibia will open their campaign against Senegal in the third match of Day 1 as they aim for a strong start. The tournament will adopt a straight knockout format, with the winner securing direct qualification to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia