Wikipedia

Namibia national rugby union team

For the Namibian representative rugby union team playing in South African domestic competitions, see Welwitschias.

The Namibia national rugby union team represents Namibia in men's international rugby union competitions nicknamed the Welwitschias, are a tier-two nation in the World Rugby tier system, and have participated in seven Rugby World Cup competitions since their first appearance in 1999. They are governed by the Namibia Rugby Union.

Namibia
Shirt badge/Association crest
NicknameWelwitschias
EmblemAfrican fish eagle
UnionNamibia Rugby Union
Head coachChrysander Botha
CaptainJohan Deysel
Most capsEugene Jantjies (70)
Top scorerTheuns Kotzé (430)
Top try scorerChrysander Botha (28)
Home stadiumHage Geingob Rugby Stadium
First colours
Second colours
World Rugby ranking
Current21 (as of 16 January 2023)
Highest18 (2017)
Lowest29 (2006)
First international
South West Africa 0–9 British and Irish Lions
(Windhoek, Namibia; 5 July 1955)
Biggest win
 Namibia 118–0 Tunisia 
(Windhoek, Namibia; 23 June 2018)
Biggest defeat
 Australia 142–0 Namibia 
(Adelaide, Australia; 25 October 2003)
World Cup
Appearances7 (First in 1999)
Best resultPool stage (1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023)
Websitenru.com.na

Namibia has been playing international rugby since the early 1900s. As well as having competed at the World Cup, Namibia annually competes in the Africa Cup. Until independence, players for Namibia were also eligible to represent South Africa, with Namibian-born Springboks including Jan Ellis.

History

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1990s

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Rugby union has been played in Namibia since 1916 when it was introduced by soldiers from South Africa who had invaded the German-run colony.

Before Namibia gained its independence in 1990, the team, as South West Africa, played in South Africa's domestic club competition, the Currie Cup. The team achieved their best result in the 1988 season, where they finished third.

The Namibia Rugby Union was formed in March 1990, and it joined the International Rugby Board in the same month. Independence came too late for Namibia to qualify for the 1991 Rugby World Cup. Hardened by regular, tough competition in the Currie Cup, the first few years of Namibian rugby union were relatively successful, their highest point being 2–0 home series victories over Ireland and Italy in 1991. That year the Welwitschias won all 10 of their Tests, the others being five victories against Zimbabwe and one against Portugal in Lisbon. One of Namibia's players, Andre Stoop was signed by English champion rugby league club, Wigan.

During the international seasons Namibia played six games; the first of which was a 55–23 win over Zimbabwe. Following another victory over Zimbabwe, in 1993 Namibia played Wales in Windhoek, losing 23–38. Namibia completed big victories over the Arabian Gulf rugby team, Kenya and Zimbabwe in the initial rounds of 1995 Rugby World Cup qualifying.

Russia toured Namibia in 1994, defeating the home team 31–12 in Windhoek. Although Namibia defeated Zimbabwe that year, the team lost to Côte d'Ivoire and drew with Morocco (all in Casablanca). In 1996 Namibia played two matches; losing 13–15 to Zimbabwe, and then defeating them by one point in a subsequent meeting. They played two games in 1997 as well, losing to Tonga and Zimbabwe.

During 1998 Namibia took part in the African tournaments for 1999 Rugby World Cup qualification. They started out in Round 3, where they finished second in the pool behind Zimbabwe on points difference (defeating Zimbabwe but losing to Tunisia). Namibia defeated Côte d'Ivoire, Morocco and Zimbabwe to qualify for the 1999 Rugby World Cup.

The team's participation was put in doubt when the Namibian government's Sports Commission barred the team from participating in a South African competition it had been using as preparation, and threatened to stop the team from taking part in the World Cup. This followed criticisms from non-white rugby clubs that the Namibian Rugby Union displayed racist attitudes.[1] Ultimately, however, the team were allowed to take part.

The 1999 World Cup marked their debut at the tournament and since then they have been Africa's second representative alongside South Africa. While they suffered heavy defeats by France, Fiji and Canada, they took pride in scoring an early try and being level with France after 20 minutes.

2000–present

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2023 Rugby World Cup match between New Zealand (All Blacks) and Namibia in Toulouse, France.

With a small player base, and lacking frequent or strong competition, the team has deteriorated in the 21st century. Their record in the World Cups has been poor as they have not yet managed a win. Their record defeat, 142–0 against Australia in the 2003 tournament, led to some questioning the presence of the minor teams at the tournament.

Namibia initially struggled in the qualifiers for the 2007 tournament, suffering a shock defeat to Kenya, their first ever to the African Great Lakes nation, and another to Tunisia. Following the Kenya loss, the Namibian squad slumped to 28th in the IRB rankings. However, after defeating Tunisia at home, the team was effectively through to two deciding matches against Morocco, to determine which of the two African nations would make it to France in 2007. Namibia convincingly won both legs, qualifying for the World Cup.

As the lowest ranked team at the start of the 2007 World Cup, Namibia was given no chance in its opening game of against Ireland. However, the Namibian squad frustrated Ireland, then the 5th ranked team in the world, and scored two tries for its narrowest World Cup loss of 17–32. They were convincingly beaten in their games with Argentina (63–3) and France (87–10). And, in the game in which they were seen as having the best chance to win, they suffered a disappointing 30–0 loss to Georgia, to end the tournament winless.

The African side was able to win the IRB Nations Cup in 2010.

Namibia achieved their fourth World Cup qualification in a row after defeating Côte d'Ivoire in 2011. They were drawn into Pool D, with South Africa, Wales, Fiji and Samoa. Their first match in the Rugby World Cup held in New Zealand (at the Rotorua International Stadium) resulted in a defeat by Fiji by 45–29. Their second match in this tournament was a 49–12 loss to Samoa but the third was an 87–0 loss to South Africa. In their final pool game, Wales proved to be too strong, as Namibia conceded 12 tries in an 81–7 defeat. Theuns Kotzé provided his side's one consolation, as his conversion of a Heinz Koll try made him Namibia's all-time highest Rugby World Cup points scorer.

The Welwitschias played the 2015 Vodacom Cup, collecting six defeats and one win against the Limpopo Blue Bulls. Namibia qualified for their fourth Rugby World Cup in 2015. They were placed in Pool C with New Zealand, Georgia, Tonga and Argentina. They managed to lose to Georgia by a single point (17–16), their best result ever and winning their first bonus point at the competition.

They qualified for the 2019 Rugby World Cup for the sixth time by winning the Rugby Africa Gold Cup and joined pool B along with South Africa, New Zealand, Italy and Canada.[2] The team lost to New Zealand, South Africa and Italy, while the match versus Canada was cancelled because of Typhoon Hagibis.

Wins against Tier 1 nations

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15 June 1991 Namibia   17–7   Italy   Windhoek  
22 June 1991 Namibia   33–19   Italy   Windhoek  
20 July 1991 Namibia   15–6   Ireland   Windhoek  
27 July 1991 Namibia   26–15   Ireland   Windhoek  

South West Africa Record vs Touring Teams

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Before independence Namibia played as South West Africa and played touring teams who toured South Africa. [3]

Opponent Played Won Lost Drawn Win % For Aga Diff
  Australia 3 0 2 1 0.00% 28 71 −43
  British and Irish Lions 4 0 4 0 0.00% 22 69 —47
  Chile 2 1 1 0 50.00% 66 48 +18
  France 2 0 1 1 0.00% 19 48 —29
  New Zealand 2 0 2 0 0.00% 3 43 −40
  Paraguay 1 1 0 0 100.00% 110 0 +110
  Uruguay 1 1 0 0 100.00% 38 22 +16
  Southern Rhodesia 6 1 5 0 16.67% 58 136 −78
Total 21 4 15 2 19.05% 344 437 –93
Date Score Touring Team Venue
5 July 1955 0–9   British and Irish Lions Mabel Vlok Park, Windhoek
11 July 1959 3–19   Southern Rhodesia Otjiwarongo
8 July 1960 3–27   New Zealand South West Stadium, Windhoek
27 July 1961 14–14   Australia South West Stadium, Windhoek
12 June 1962 6–14   British and Irish Lions South West Stadium, Windhoek
31 July 1963 6–24   Australia South West Stadium, Windhoek
13 June 1964 15–6   Southern Rhodesia South West Stadium, Windhoek
13 March 1966 3–19   Southern Rhodesia Hartsfield Stadium, Bulawayo
15 June 1968 0–23   British and Irish Lions South West Stadium, Windhoek
21 September 1968 8–34   Southern Rhodesia South West Stadium, Windhoek
1 September 1969 8–33   Australia South West Stadium, Windhoek
4 July 1970 0–16   New Zealand South West Stadium, Windhoek
8 June 1971 6–35   France South West Stadium, Windhoek
18 May 1974 16–23   British and Irish Lions South West Stadium, Windhoek
17 June 1975 13–13   France South West Stadium, Windhoek
7 May 1977 15–22   Southern Rhodesia South West Stadium, Windhoek
29 October 1983 30–33   Chile Santiago
5 November 1983 38–22   Uruguay Montevideo
24 October 1988 36–15   Chile Santiago
3 November 1988 110–0   Paraguay Ascuncion

Overall Record

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Main article: Namibia at the Rugby World Cup
Men's World Rugby Rankings
Top 30 as of 18 November 2024[4]
Rank Change[i] Team Points
1     South Africa 092.78
2  1   Ireland 090.78
3  1   New Zealand 090.09
4     France 088.08
5     Argentina 085.40
6     Scotland 082.70
7     England 082.31
8     Australia 082.17
9     Fiji 080.07
10     Italy 078.92
11     Wales 074.01
12     Georgia 073.85
13  1   Japan 072.95
14  1   Samoa 072.68
15  1   United States 068.90
16  1   Portugal 068.82
17     Spain 067.10
18  1   Uruguay 065.94
19  1   Tonga 065.46
20     Romania 064.13
21     Chile 061.72
22     Hong Kong 059.49
23     Canada 059.18
24  3   Netherlands 058.56
25  1   Russia 058.06
26  1   Namibia 057.87
27  2   Zimbabwe 057.16
28  2   Brazil 056.53
29  1   Belgium 056.51
30      Switzerland 056.04
  1. ^ Change from the previous week
Namibia's historical rankings
See or edit source data.
Source: World Rugby[4]
Graph updated to 11 November 2024

Below is table of the representative rugby matches played by a Namibia national XV at test level up until 17 July 2024.[5]

Opponent Played Won Lost Drawn Win % For Aga Diff
Arabian Gulf 1 1 0 0 100.00% 64 20 +44
  Argentina 3 0 3 0 0.00% 36 194 −158
  Argentina XV 1 0 1 0 0.00% 27 34 −7
  Australia 1 0 1 0 0.00% 0 142 −142
  Burkina Faso 1 1 0 0 100.00% 71 5 +66
  Canada 3 1 2 0 33.33% 67 126 —59
  Chile 1 1 0 0 100% 28 26 +2
  Fiji 2 0 2 0 0.00% 43 116 −73
  France 3 0 3 0 0.00% 23 230 —207
  France XV 2 0 2 0 0.00% 36 49 —13
  Georgia 5 1 4 0 20.00% 73 112 —39
  Germany 2 2 0 0 100.00% 137 33 +104
  Hong Kong 1 1 0 0 100.00% 22 12 +10
  Ireland 4 2 2 0 50.00% 65 117 −52
  Italy 5 2 3 0 40.00% 104 174 —70
  Italy A 1 0 1 0 0.00% 21 43 —22
  Ivory Coast 6 2 3 1 33.33% 127 98 +29
  Kenya 12 10 2 0 83.33% 604 225 +379
  Madagascar 5 4 1 0 80.00% 362 94 +268
  Morocco 8 5 2 1 62.50% 196 144 +52
  New Zealand 3 0 3 0 0.00% 26 200 −174
  Portugal 9 6 3 0 66.67% 280 185 +95
  Romania 6 1 5 0 16.67% 66 158 −92
  Russia 7 2 5 0 28.57% 141 183 −42
  Samoa 2 0 2 0 0.00% 25 89 —64
  Senegal 4 4 0 0 100.00% 163 40 +123
  South Africa 3 0 3 0 0.00% 16 249 —233
  Spain 7 2 5 0 28.57% 134 174 —40
  Tonga 2 0 2 0 0.00% 35 55 −20
  Tunisia 11 8 3 0 72.73% 368 159 +209
  Uganda 5 4 1 0 80.00% 244 94 +150
  Uruguay 6 1 5 0 16.67% 156 204 −48
  Wales 4 0 4 0 0.00% 69 171 −102
  West Germany 1 1 0 0 100.00% 54 7 +47
  Zambia 2 2 0 0 100.00% 132 20 +112
  Zimbabwe 33 30 3 0 90.91% 1239 675 +564
Total 172 94 76 2 54.65% 5,254 4,657 +597

Players

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Current squad

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On 21 June, Allister Coetzee named a 36-player squad for their July international matches against Blue Bulls and Portugal.

Head Coach:   Allister Coetzee

  • Caps Updated: 13 July 2024
Player Position Date of birth (age) Caps Club/province
Armand Combrinck Hooker (1997-04-17) 17 April 1997 (age 27) 1   Western Province U21
Edward Drotsky Hooker 0   FNB Rehoboth
Wikus Jacobs Hooker 3   Grootfontein
Obert Nortjé Hooker (1997-04-17) 17 April 1997 (age 27) 21   Wanderers
Otja Auala Prop 0   University of Namibia
Jason Benade Prop (1995-04-16) 16 April 1995 (age 29) 18   University of Namibia
Chemigan Beukes Prop (1995-04-16) 16 April 1995 (age 29) 2   Western Suburbs]
Renard Hatting Prop 0   Grootfontein
Ian Klitzke Prop 0   Trustco United
Des Sethie Prop (1992-12-09) 9 December 1992 (age 31) 22   University of Namibia
Haitembu Shikufa Prop (2000-11-28) 28 November 2000 (age 23) 3   Leopards
Herschelle van Wyk Prop 2   Wanderers
Adriaan Ludick Lock (1998-07-22) 22 July 1998 (age 26) 13   Limoges
Ruan Ludick Lock (1994-09-07) 7 September 1994 (age 30) 26   Chartres
Mahepisa Tjeriko Lock (1993-05-06) 6 May 1993 (age 31) 12   University of Namibia
Diamando Tjombe Lock 0   University of Namibia
Johan Retief Lock (1995-10-10) 10 October 1995 (age 29) 25   Wanderers
Prince ǃGaoseb Back row (1998-07-07) 7 July 1998 (age 26) 17   Wanderers
Adriaan Booysen Back row (1996-05-17) 17 May 1996 (age 28) 27 Unattached
Peter Diergaardt Back row (1998-08-18) 18 August 1998 (age 26) 0   Wanderers
Cameron Langenhoven Back row (1996-06-08) 8 June 1996 (age 28) 1   FNB Kudus
Johan Luttig Back row (1996-05-28) 28 May 1996 (age 28) 1   Grootfontein
Max Katjijeko Back row (1995-04-08) 8 April 1995 (age 29) 25   Los Angeles
Minyoi Kistings Back row 0   University of Namibia
Oela Blaauw Scrum-half (2001-10-17) 17 October 2001 (age 23) 1   University of Johannesburg
Jahno du Plessis Scrum-half 0   Trustco United
AJ Kearns Scrum-half 1   University of Namibia
Jacques Theron Scrum-half (1999-03-22) 22 March 1999 (age 25) 8   Wanderers
Denzo Bruwer Fly-half (1999-11-22) 22 November 1999 (age 24) 1   Wanderers
Tiaan Swanepoel Fly-half (1996-06-04) 4 June 1996 (age 28) 6   Valence-d'Agen
Hillian Beukes Centre (1998-07-28) 28 July 1998 (age 26) 9   Wanderers
Danco Burger Centre (1998-07-28) 28 July 1998 (age 26) 9   FNB Rehoboth
Natie Janse van Rensburg Centre 0   Wanderers
Alcino Izaacs Wing (1993-11-16) 16 November 1993 (age 31) 8   University of Namibia
Lloyd Jacobs Wing 1   FNB Kudus
Quiren Madjiedt Wing 1   University of Johannesburg
Shareave Titus Wing 0   University of Johannesburg
Nandi Karuuombe Fullback 0   Wanderers
Jay-Cee Nel Fullback (1999-01-07) 7 January 1999 (age 25) 1   Griquas
Lorenzo Louis Fullback 2   Trustco United

Individual all-time records

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Most caps

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# Player Pos Span Mat Start Sub Pts Tries Conv Pens Drop Won Lost Draw Win %
1. Eugene Jantjies Scrum-half 2006–2019 70 46 24 72 3 15 8 1 35 34 1 50.71
2. PJ van Lill Flanker 2006–2023 63 39 24 40 8 0 0 0 31 31 1 50.00
3. Chrysander Botha Fullback 2008–2018 55 53 2 209 28 15 13 0 34 20 1 62.72
4. Tinus du Plessis Flanker 2006–2016 52 44 8 40 8 0 0 0 27 24 1 52.88
5. Darryl de la Harpe Centre 2010–2019 50 39 11 50 10 0 0 0 25 25 0 50.00
6. Johnny Redelinghuys Prop 2006–2015 49 31 18 25 5 0 0 0 22 26 1 45.91
7. JC Greyling Centre 2014–2023 46 38 8 145 29 0 0 0 25 21 0 56.75
Johann Tromp Centre 2012–2021 46 37 9 105 21 0 0 0 26 20 0 55.55
9. Rohan Kitshoff Flanker 2010–2019 45 31 14 110 22 0 0 0 24 21 0 53.33
10. Casper Viviers Prop 2010-2023 42 31 11 5 1 0 0 0 23 19 0 52.50

Last updated: Namibia vs Uruguay, 27 September 2023. [6]

Most tries

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# Player Pos Span Mat Start Sub Pts Tries Conv Pens Drop
1. JC Greyling Centre 2014–2023 46 38 8 145 29 0 0 0
2. Chrysander Botha Fullback 2008–2018 55 53 2 209 28 15 13 0
3. Gerhard Mans Wing 1990–1994 27 26 1 114 26 0 0 0
4. Rohan Kitshoff Flanker 2010–2019 45 31 14 110 22 0 0 0
Eden Meyer Wing 1991–1996 21 20 1 102 22 0 0 0
6. Johann Tromp Centre 2012–2021 46 37 9 105 21 0 0 0
7. Wian Conradie Flanker 2015-present 30 25 5 90 14 0 0 0
8. Melrick Afrika Wing 2003–2007 23 18 5 62 12 1 0 0
Johan Deysel Centre 2013-2023 38 36 2 60 12 0 0 0
Louis van der Westhuizen Hooker 2013-present 31 15 16 60 12 0 0 0

Last updated: Namibia vs Uruguay, 27 September 2023. [7]

Most points

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# Player Pos Span Mat Start Sub Pts Tries Conv Pens Drop
1. Theuns Kotzé Fly-half 2011–2017 40 35 5 430 6 110 55 5
2. Jaco Coetzee Fly-half 1990–1995 28 27 1 335 6 81 45 3
3. Cliven Loubser Fly-half 2017–present 25 23 2 218 5 65 21 0
4. Chrysander Botha Fullback 2008–2018 55 53 2 209 28 15 13 0
5. Mot Schreuder Fly-half 2002–2007 19 17 2 158 4 42 18 0
6. JC Greyling Centre 2014–2023 46 38 8 145 29 0 0 0
7. Rudie van Vuuren Fly-half 1997–2003 15 10 5 120 3 27 17 0
8. Gerhard Mans Wing 1990–1994 27 26 1 114 26 0 0 0
9. Rohan Kitshoff Flanker 2010–2019 45 31 14 110 22 0 0 0
10. Eden Meyer Wing 1991–1996 21 20 1 102 22 0 0 0

Last updated: Namibia vs Uruguay, 27 September 2023. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Most points in a match

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# Player Pos Pts Tries Conv Pens Drop Opposition Venue Date
1. Justinus van der Westhuizen Fly-half 33 3 9 0 0   Zambia   Windhoek 26/05/2007
2. Jaco Coetzee Fly-half 30 3 6 1 0   Kenya   Nairobi 07/07/1993
3. Chrysander Botha Fullback 29 2 5 3 0   Ivory Coast   Windhoek 27/06/2009
4. Moolman Olivier Fly-half 26 1 11 0 0   Portugal   Windhoek 21/04/1990
Cliven Loubser Fly-half 26 2 8 0 0   Morocco   Casablanca 30/06/2018
6. Riaan van Wyk Wing 25 5 0 0 0   Madagascar   Windhoek 15/06/2002
Theuns Kotzé Fly-half 25 1 4 4 0   Russia   Windhoek 18/07/2015
8. Gerhard Mans Wing 24 6 0 0 0   Portugal   Windhoek 21/04/1990
Mot Schreuder Fly-half 24 0 12 0 0   Kenya   Windhoek 27/05/2006
Theuns Kotzé Fly-half 24 0 12 0 0   Madagascar   Windhoek 06/07/2014

Last updated: Namibia vs Uruguay, 27 September 2023. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Most tries in a match

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# Player Pos Pts Tries Conv Pens Drop Opposition Venue Date
1. Gerhard Mans Wing 24 6 0 0 0   Portugal   Windhoek 21/04/1990
2. Riaan van Wyk Wing 25 5 0 0 0   Madagascar   Windhoek 15/06/2002
3. Eden Meyer Wing 20 4 0 0 0   Zimbabwe   Windhoek 16/05/1992
Melrick Afrika Wing 20 4 0 0 0   Kenya   Nairobi 16/08/2003
Renaldo Bothma Number 8 20 4 0 0 0   Madagascar   Nairobi 06/07/2014
Rohan Kitshoff Flanker 20 4 0 0 0   Senegal   Windhoek 08/07/2017
JC Greyling Centre 20 4 0 0 0   Tunisia   Windhoek 23/06/2018
Lesley Klim Wing 20 4 0 0 0   Tunisia   Windhoek 23/06/2018
9. 17 players on 3 tries

Last updated: Namibia vs Uruguay, 27 September 2023. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Most matches as captain

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# Player Pos Span Mat Won Lost Draw % Pts Tries Conv Pens Drop
1. Gerhard Mans Wing 1990–1994 26 20 5 1 78.84 114 26 0 0 0
2. Johan Deysel Centre 2018-2023 19 12 7 0 66.00 30 6 0 0 0
3. Jacques Burger Flanker 2007–2015 17 7 10 0 41.17 25 5 0 0 0
4. PJ van Lill Flanker 2012–2021 14 9 5 0 61.53 10 2 0 0 0
5. Corné Powell Centre 2002–2007 13 9 4 0 69.23 25 5 0 0 0

Last updated: Namibia vs Uruguay, 27 September 2023. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Past coaches

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Since the 1999 Rugby World Cup

Years Coach
1999   Rudy Joubert
2000   Sarel Losper
2000–2001   Henry Pretorius
2002–2003   David Waterston
2004–2005   Danie Vermeulen
2005   Christo Alexander
2006–2007   Johan Venter
2007   Hakkies Husselman
2008–2009   John Williams
2009–2011   Johan Diergaardt
2012–2015   Danie Vermeulen
2015–2019   Phil Davies
2020   Johan Diergaardt
2021–2024   Allister Coetzee
2024–   Chrysander Botha

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Chris Hewett (29 April 1999). "Rugby Union: England bucks the global growth trend". The Independent. Archived from the original on 2022-06-18.
  2. ^ Tremlett, Sam (13 October 2019). "Namibia Rugby World Cup Fixtures, Squad, Group, Guide". Rugby World. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  3. ^ Stats
  4. ^ a b "Men's World Rankings". World Rugby. Retrieved 19 November 2024.
  5. ^ Namibia rugby statistics
  6. ^ "Rugby Union – ESPN Scrum – Statsguru – Test matches – Player records". ESPN Scrum. Retrieved 23 September 2019.
  7. ^ "Rugby Union – ESPN Scrum – Statsguru – Test matches – Player records". ESPN Scrum. Retrieved 23 September 2019.
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