The Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) has unveiled a 36-man preliminary squad as preparations intensify ahead of the final Rugby World Cup Qualifiers to be held in Dubai the next step on the road to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Namibia secured their place in November’s Final Qualification Tournament after an emphatic 86–29 win over the UAE in the Asia/Africa play-off, keeping alive their hopes of an eighth consecutive World Cup appearance.
This comes after missing out on automatic qualification following a defeat to Zimbabwe in the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup.
The final qualification tournament taking place in Dubai (UAE) between 8 – 18 November, 2025 will comprise one pool of four teams, playing in a round-robin format with the winner – on competition points – qualifying for Australia 2027.
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According to the NRU, the group reflects “a strong balance of experience and emerging talent,” and will undergo intensive training and evaluation before the final 30-man squad is named on October 20, 2025.
The team will continue preparations under the guidance of NRU’s High-Performance coaches and technical staff, focusing on fitness, game strategy, and team cohesion as they gear up to face some of Africa’s toughest competition in Dubai.
The final 30-man squad will be announced on 20 October 2025, marking a crucial milestone in Namibia’s pursuit of another Rugby World Cup appearance.
Namibia Rugby (Dubai 2025 Qualifiers)
1 Auala Otja Pupeni Trevor
2 Bester Joshua Russel
3 Booysen Jan Adriaan
4 Burger Danco
5 Coetzee Johannes Voges
6 Combrinck Armand Johannes Samuel
7 Conradie Wian
8 de Klerk Tiaan
9 Deysel Johan
10 Grove Riaan
11 Gaseb Prince Rivaldo Gino
12 Hardwick Richard
13 Isaacs Alcino Marciano
14 Katjiteo Muhurua Wilhelm
15 Kearns Andrew James
16 Kisting Hilarius Axasman
17 Kurz Oliver
18 Laubser Cliven Sven James
19 Ludick Adriaan Wayne
20 Luttig Johannes Petrus
21 Meyer Jürgen David
22 Mukwilongo Aston Bassie Familyman
23 Malan Le Roux
24 Nel Jay-Cee
25 Retief Johannes Adriaan
26 Rossouw Divan
27 Savoldelli Gianluca
28 Shikufa Haitembu Lazarus
29 Swanepoel Tiaan Henk
30 Theron Jacques
31 Trotsky Edward
32 Van der Berg Andre
33 Van der Merwe Danie
34 van der Westhuizen Louis
35 van Jaarsveld Torsten George
36 Van Wyk Herschell
