We are in it to retain the cup – Heynes
Rugby
The Namibian rugby team touched down in Uganda’s capital Kampala tomcompete in the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup. The eight-team tournament to be hosted at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole and Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku from Saturday until 29 July, serves as the first stage of the 2027 men’s Rugby World Cup qualifiers for the African region.
This year’s edition features eight nations, namely Burkina Faso as the lowest-ranked team on the world rankings (92nd), Senegal (61st), Kenya (34th), Algeria (69th), Cote d’Ivoire (47th), Zimbabwe (30th), Uganda (36th) and Namibia (23rd).
The seven-match event is played following a straight knockout format from the quarterfinal stage. Namibia, the defending champions, will open the tournament and their campaign against Burkina Faso on Saturday morning at the Mandela National Stadium (kick-off 10:00 local time; 09:00 Namibian time).
Head coach Allister Coetzee named a youthful touring 28-member squad lacking experience, with a combined total of just 213 test caps the country, as he looks to kickstart the four-year-cycle to the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
Forwards Ruan Ludick (27 tests), Max Katjijeko (25), Johan Retief (25), Obert Nortje (23) and Adriaan Booysen (19) provide the bulk of the test experience, while 16 squad members have zero, one or two tests behind their name.
John Heynes, CEO of the Namibia Rugby Union, said: “The NRU fully supports and believes in our team. We are in it to win it. The fans expect them to return with the trophy and we know the squad will step up and produce the required results.”
He also encouraged the young players in the squad to take the opportunity with both hands. “Becoming a senior player means taking responsibility and ownership. Remember you are not alone on this journey.”
The other quarter-final round matches on Saturday feature Kenya against Senegal, Algeria vs Cote d'Ivoire, and Zimbabwe taking on hosts Uganda at the same venue.
A win against Burkina Faso will ensure that Namibia takes on Zimbabwe or Uganda in one of the semifinals scheduled for 24 July.
Following the Finals Day on Sunday, 28 July, the lowest-ranked team will be relegated to the Repechage tournament.
The 2024 edition’s placings will determine each nation’s ranking, for a possibly more favourable draw, ahead of the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup that will serve as the continental qualifier to the 2027 World Cup in Australia.