Good news, bad news from MLR
Rugby
In the build-up to the test match against Portugal in Windhoek on 13 July, there has been good news and bad news coming from the USA’s Major League Rugby for Namibia head coach Allister Coetzee.Namibia flyhalf Cliven Loubser was on form for his new club team Anthem Rugby Carolina, known as Anthem RC, in last Saturday’s 29-33 loss to RFC Los Angeles.
The 27-year-old scored 14 points, including a second-half intercept try from near his own goal-line, as his struggling team lost by their narrowest margin yet at their home stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina during week 12 of the Major League Rugby (MLR) season.
With 271 kicking metres and 174 running metres in the match, Loubser contributed to his team’s good early field position as they raced to a 19-0 lead, before RFC Los Angeles managed to fight back and eventually close out the result.
Afterwards, Loubser commented on the team’s performance: “Overall it was very good, especially how we started in the first half and put them under a lot of pressure. We couldn’t pull it out at the end, but it was a good game.
“This was my first time playing at this stadium, and the crowd was great. Thank you to everyone who came out and supported us.”
Fellow Namibian in his first season at an MLR franchise, lock/flank Max Katjijeko, played off the bench for RFC Los Angeles.
Anthem RC however remained winless after eight matches. The franchise was only founded in 2024, and began to play during this season, with former All Blacks centre Alama Ieremia as head coach.
Unlike other MLR teams, Anthem RC is funded by USA Rugby and World Rugby, in the aim to improve the USA Eagles so they may qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, and be competitive for the US-hosted 2031 Rugby World Cup.
• Divan Rossouw started at full-back and scored the only try for the Seattle Seawolves in their 7-14 loss to the Dallas Jackals in Arlington, Texas.
Rossouw is also credited with most running metres in the match (169) during his ten carries, as well as making 126 kicking metres. The Seawolves are placed second in the Western Conference, having won seven from eight.
• Centre Le Roux Malan played off the bench for the reigning MLR champions, the New England Free Jacks, when they came away with a 24-23 away win against the San Diego Legion.
Malan, returning to full action after the ankle fracture he suffered at the Rugby World Cup in France last year, was in the starting team against the Chicago Hounds earlier this month.
The New England Free Jacks currently lead the MLR Eastern Conference with six wins from eight matches.
Conradie out for the season
New England Free Jacks recently announced that Namibian No. 8 Wian Conradie endured a significant season-ending knee ligament injury which required surgery.
The 29-year-old was named player of the match against Seattle Seawolves with an outstanding performance of 19 tackles and 13 ball carries.
“Since arriving in 2021, Wian has become part of the DNA of the Free Jacks both on and off the field,” commented Free Jacks’ general manager, Tom Kindley.
“Wian has consistently been one of the best players in the competition, as recognized by the 2023 MLR Forward of the Year award, and of course, he will be a big loss for us.”
The three-time Rugby World Cup player for Namibia (2015, 2019 and 2023) has made 47 appearances with the Free Jacks over the past four seasons, scoring 15 tries (75 points).
He also played a lead role in the Free Jacks’ 2023 MLR Championship-winning campaign last season.
According to the club’s statement, “Wian is known across Major League Rugby for his tenacious spirit on defence, strength in the scrum, and powerful running abilities. He is fondly referred to as ‘The Bus’ by the Free Jacks faithful, alluding to his relentless playing style on both sides of the ball.
“His unwavering hard work and dedication on the pitch have cemented him as one of the best backrowers in the league.
“Wian has been an exemplary Free Jack on and off the field for the last few years, and now it will be up to his teammates to take the opportunity and play for him,” says Kindley. “We are fully committed to supporting Wian’s recovery, and our focus turns to getting him ready to roll ahead of 2025.
“Our priority at this time is ensuring Wian’s well-being and providing him with the necessary care and support during his recovery.”
• Scrumhalf Damian Stevens’ most recent appearance for the New Orleans Gold was off the bench during their 40-5 win against Anthem RFC on 28 April. Loubser started in the 15 jersey on the losing team, making 114 metres in eleven carries, as well as 216 kicking metres.