Namibia have unveiled their training squad for the upcoming 2024 Rugby Africa Cup, which is scheduled for July and will also double as the Rugby World Cup qualification tournament for the African region.
The squad features a strong core of experience, with 16 players having featured in the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup. Among the returning forwards are Jason Benade, Armand Combrinck, Haitembu Shikufa, Wan Ludick, Johan Retief, Minyoi Kistings, Peter Diergaardt, and Adriaan Booysen.
The backs with Rugby Africa Cup experience include Jacques Theron, Al Kearns, Denzo Bruwer, Danco Burger, Alcino Isaacs, Oela Blaauw, Natie Van Rensburg, and Jay Cee Nel.
This experienced group is expected to provide leadership and consistency as Namibia pursue yet another World Cup appearance.
In November 2024, Namibia Rugby Union announced significant structural changes aimed at strengthening their high-performance program.
Former captain Jacques Burger was appointed as the new Director of Rugby. Burger, a legendary loose-forward, captained Namibia in 17 test matches and represented the country at three World Cups (2007, 2011, and 2015).
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He replaced former Springbok coach Allister Coetzee in the strategic leadership role.
Additionally, former fullback Chrysander Botha was promoted to head coach. Botha, aged 36, had previously served as an assistant coach under Coetzee.
Ahead of the qualifiers, Namibia will face Uganda and Italy in warm-up matches. These fixtures are expected to provide critical match fitness and help the coaching staff finalize combinations before the Africa Cup campaign begins.
Namibia will be looking to extend their remarkable World Cup qualification streak, having participated in every edition of the tournament since 1999.
FORWARDS
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Haitembu Lazarus Shikufa – Pukke
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Jason Benade – UNAM
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Otja Auala – UNAM
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Sidney Halupé – Wits RC
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Louis van der Westerhuizen – Cheetahs
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Armand Combrinck – Maties
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Torsten van Jaarsveld – Aviron Bayonnais
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Edward Drotsky – Wanderers
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Johannes Coetzee – Cheetahs
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Liam Compion – Wanderers
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Gerhard Opperman – Western Suburbs
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Adriaan Ludick – CSM Baia Mare, Roemenië
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Johan Luttig – Grootfontein
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Ruan Ludick – Chartres RC
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Oliver Kurz – Rissoh Rugby RFC
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Riaan Grove – Stade Aurillacois Cantal Auvergne
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Tiaan de Klerk – Pumas
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Wian Conradie – New England Free Jacks
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Pieter Diergaardt – VII Rugby Torino
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Johan Retief – Krasny Yar
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Muharua Wilhelm Katjijeko – CSA Steaua Bucuresti
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Richard Hardwick – FC Grenoble
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Adriaan Booysen – Wanderers
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Prince !Gaoseb – CSA Steaua Bucuresti
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Cameron Langenhoven – Kudus
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Kian Beyer – Wanderers
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Joe Losper – Reho Falcons
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Sheron Roussouw – Wanderers
BACKS
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Jacques Theron – Wanderers
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Andrew Keans – UNAM
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Hilarius Axasman Kisting – CS Dinamo
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Tiaan Swanepoel – Sharks
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Andre van der Berg – USA Limoga
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Le Roux Malan – New England Free Jacks
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Danco Burger – Wanderers
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Alcino Isaacs – UNAM
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Freddie Dreyer – UO
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Merve Tromp – Pukke
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Danie van der Merwe – Wanderers
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Natie Janse van Rensburg – Wanderers
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Gershwin Mouton – FC Grenoble
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Divan Rossouw – Seattle Seawolves
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Quirone Majiedt – UNAM
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Jurgen Meyer – Wanderers
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Owen Hawanga – Wanderers
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Cliven Laubser – Anthem RC
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Oela Blaauw – University Johannesburg
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Manfred Garoeb – Rehoboth
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Denzo Bruwer – Wanderers
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Godwin Sulvanis – CSA Steaua Bucuresti
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Jay Cee Nel – Pumas
