Breathing new life into local rugby

Plans by the Namibian Rugby Union (NRU) to revive the Regional 15’s competition are at an advanced stage.The kickoff for the competition, which features five regional teams: Auas XV, Khomas XV, Northern XV, Southern XV, Western XV, and a U20 team, has, however, been delayed due to ongoing sponsorship negotiations.“The competition, which aims to uplift local players and close the gap between club, national and international levels, is currently on hold due to sponsorship negotiations and could commence in August, September, or October.“The sponsorship aspect has delayed the competition, and the NRU is waiting for feedback from a potential sponsor. The NRU is fully committed to financially supporting the competition and not burdening the clubs or players. This aspect warranted the postponement,” said John Heynes, the chief executive officer of the NRU.Continuous support neededHe called on local businesses to take hands with the NRU.“It is sad that we see some businesses jump on the bandwagon during World Cup campaigns and then disappear. We appreciate those sponsors who stick with the NRU. Our players need continuous support to ensure that they are properly equipped to participate in a Rugby World Cup campaign. We have a huge group of U/20, U/21, and U/23 players, as well as senior players. Our U/20 team is preparing for the 2024 Barthes U20 Championship, which will take place in April in Harare, Zimbabwe, and we do not have a sponsor.”Heynes added that the Rugby World Cup qualifiers are starting in 2025, with the event to be hosted in Australia in 2027 and in the USA in 2031.“The World Rugby U20 Trophy 2024 will take place in Scotland from 2-17 July 2024, and will be contested by eight teams fighting for promotion to the World Rugby U20 Championship 2025. We cannot sleep if we want to compete. Our young players need exposure and opportunities to build their depth. It costs between N$600 000 and N$850 000 to bring a team such as the Blue Bulls to Namibia, and the Union has to cover the costs. We will host Portugal on 13 July and must fork out between N$850 000 and N$1.1 million to make this happen.”Costs coveredHeynes emphasised that there will be no financial pressure on clubs and players for Regional 15’s competition games.“The NRU will be responsible for all costs in terms of transport, meals, and battle gear for all the participating teams. The Union will also provide referees and balls for the matches. We had an open conversation with clubs. The expectation should not be created that players are entitled to compete in the competition. They should work hard and earn their spots in the teams.“Players are thus invited to pitch, and if you want to achieve something as a rugby player, you will do so. The NRU and sponsor will ensure that each player who makes it into a regional team carries no financial burden.”He acknowledged that playing fields and travel costs are also impacting the development of the game in Namibia.“The vast distances that teams have to travel and accommodation costs inflate the cost of playing rugby. We unfortunately cannot cut distances and therefore need municipalities and businesses to partner with us in taking our game to the next level.”Heynes said that the expectations of the Namibian nation for the national team are “sky high”.“We, however, need to have stepping stones for players in place to transition from local to regional and then national level, and the NRU wants this pathway to be fully functional by 2015. The primary objective of the Regional 15’s initiative is to provide a platform for players to come into contact with the Welwitschia squad. This will not only foster healthy competition but will also serve as a platform for emerging talents to step up and make their mark on the national stage.” Participation compulsoryIn a letter to clubs, the Regional 15’s Tournament director, Herman Rust, informed clubs that all registered clubs of the NRU are obliged to participate in the competition.“Should a player not avail himself, such a player will not be allowed to play for a club in the NRU League of 2024. To ensure the success of this endeavour, we seek the full cooperation and support of all clubs. Your involvement will not only contribute to the success of the competition but will also play a crucial role in shaping the future of Namibian rugby.”David Philander (Auas XV), Jaco Engels (Khomas XV), Allister Coetzee (Northern XV), Chrysander Botha (Southern XV), Rohan Kitshoff (Western XV), and Ryan de la Harpe (U/20 XV) have been appointed as coaching managers for the six regional teams.The Regional 15’s competition will consist of five round games to be played in Grootfontien, Rehoboth, Walvis Bay/Swakopmund, and at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek.“The NRU respects and has taken the needs of clubs into account. The competition will not interfere with the league competition at all. Clubs will not be disrupted and will not lose their top players.“We are cognisant of the fact that all clubs want to have their best players competing in the domestic competition at all times. When it comes to national duty, the country comes first. Clubs need to understand and support the national call for players. Rugby, as a partnership, must create opportunities for players. It is a give-and-take situation,” Heynes concluded.

Breathing new life into local rugby

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Republikein 2024-12-27

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Breathing new life into local rugby

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