Rugby union in Namibia

Rugby union is a popular team sport played in Namibia.

History

Rugby union has been played in Namibia since 1916 when it was introduced by migrants from South Africa.

Present

As in South Africa the sport is most popular among Afrikaans speaking Namibians, the sport is also popular among English speaking white Namibians.

The sport is popular among school children, but the rugby union playing population in Namibia is still relatively small with only 19 clubs and around 1,100 registered senior players.

Governing body

The Namibia Rugby Union are the governing body for rugby union in Namibia. The organisation was formed in March 1990, the same month that it joined the International Rugby Board (IRB).

National team

The Namibian national team are commonly known as the Welwitschia.

Until independence, players for Namibia were also eligible to represent South Africa with Namibian-born Springboks including Jan Ellis. Various players pursue their rugby careers in South Africa and in a number of European countries.

Domestic Competitions

Currie Cup

The Currie Cup tournament is South Africa's premier domestic rugby union competition, featuring teams representing either entire provinces or substantial regions within provinces. Before Namibia gained its independence in 1990, the team, as South West Africa, played in South Africa's Currie Cup competition. Their best result was in 1989, where they finished third. They have won the B section Currie Cup in 1988, beating the well-known Western Province team.

International Competitions

Rugby World Cup

Namibia have made the World Cup on three occasions, in 1999, 2003 and 2007, but have never won a game.

Notes

See also

* Namibia national rugby union team
* Namibia Rugby Union

External links

* [http://www.planet-rugby.com/Teams/Namibia/index.shtml Namibian rugby union news from Planet Rugby]