CEO wants a change in Namibian rugby

LIMBA MUPETAMI The CEO took time out to speak to Namibian Sun Sports Desk about his experience playing rugby in the past, his plans in trying to change the dynamics of Namibian rugby and the hand he will play in Namibia's quest to reach the Rugby World Cup.Green is the epitome of respect, distinguished focus and determination: a man who knows his standing in line with a clear vision of where he is heading with his passion, rugby.Green was appointed CEO of NRL for the next three years, ensuring continuity at least one year after the 2020 World Cup in Japan.NRL is a new company formed to take care of all national teams and high-performance activities, including the Namibian Rugby Union's (NRU) national academy.Green took a keen interest in rugby in primary school but only started taking it seriously in high school.After high school he studied education and played provincial rugby for Western Province Country Districts and Griqualand West from 1980 to 1988. He then moved into coaching and administration, and became the vice-chairman of the SA Rugby Schools Association by 1997. A statement issued by NRU on Friday said Green's addition to Namibian rugby is greeted with great enthusiasm, as he has a wealth of experience and global networking in the rugby fraternity to offer.“As South African Rugby Union (SARU) senior manager, he was responsible for drafting policies and strategies, as well as directing all junior tournaments and teams.“His recent position held at SARU was as general manager: strategic transformation. He was instrumental in negotiating and liaising with national and provincial ministries and various forums on the subject of transformation in South African rugby, reporting directly to the CEO, SARU Executive and SARU General Council.”Internationally Green holds the position of general secretary of Rugby Africa, where he provides strategic support in terms of developing the game on the continent. He regularly represents SARU and Rugby Africa at World Rugby General Council meetings and conferences.Green said he has been involved with Namibian rugby for many years and understands the dynamics of Namibian rugby. He also adds that his decision to take the new job was because of the passion the Namibian people showed him.However, he said he is proud of the achievements and the contributions he made to South African rugby, having chaired on boards and working with the ministry of sport to bring change in the country.Plans aheadIn his new job, he will look at improving local leagues and structures. He will also make sure that there is an equitable distribution of resources to all premier league clubs so that they all have equal resources to compete.“You cannot have a situation where top teams have corporate funding and others don't.“School rugby is strong in Namibia but I'm not happy with the fact that the game is dying in some areas like Katutura as well as in some traditional strongholds like the rural northern regions.”He also said that the under-20 national rugby team has been performing well under Rodger Thompson's guidance.“We need to give credit where it is due. Namibia has the right guys in the structures. With knowledge and skills transfer they will become high-class coaches.” Apart from praising the local guys, Green will appoint someone who will work closely with him as he wants to groom and share knowledge by the time he steps down. Empowering allNot only does he want to focus on the men's game but he said women rugby players should be groomed at an early age.“Women's rugby is non-existent in Namibia. We need to focus on grassroots programmes and to groom players young.“You cannot expect women to start playing rugby at the age of 21. You need to create a pathway at junior level,” he emphasised.With that said, he also wants to break down barriers in rugby saying that the former administration made mistakes in many aspects.“Rugby belongs to the nation and if you don't treat it as such you will end up in trouble. There is stigma around rugby and I want to break it down and show Namibians that I'm serious despite the fact that I inherited a lot from previous administrators. Transformation takes time but we need to speed it up,” he said.

CEO wants a change in Namibian rugby

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-23

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CEO wants a change in Namibian rugby

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-23

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