Domo arigato!

Namibia's ambassador to Japan, Morven Luswenyo, has officially welcomed the country's rugby side that will compete at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, which kicks off on Friday when the hosts clash with Russia.Luswenyo met the Namibian team at the Nanki-Shirahama Marriot Hotel on Sunday. He pledged his support to his countrymen during their stay in Japan. Luswenyo assured the team that his office will provide them with all the support and assistance they may need.The ambassador also encouraged the team to perform well at the competition. The Namibians arrived on Saturday and began an intensive training camp yesterday. The team travelled from Hosea Kutako International Airport in two groups, with one group flying via Doha and the other through Singapore. They finally arrived in Kamitonda after staying in Tokyo for one night. In total, they had travelled for 48 hours. “The team was well-received by the people of Kamitonda and a welcome ceremony was organised at the Cultural Exchange Centre.“This was a true taste of Japanese hospitality and culture, and the programme for the evening included performances, speeches and a gift exchange,” team media manager Daniella Filipovic said. Japanese fans, as well as World Rugby representatives, were present at the official welcome for the Namibian team.“This was followed by a visit the next day to the team hotel by the ambassador, who not only shared gifts of good luck charms with the team, but also a few words of encouragement. He also outlined the assistance/support that his office is offering the team while they are in Japan,” Filipovic said.The Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) said it was impressed with the heart-warming gesture of a Namibian flag, made up of 15 000 paper eagles, hanging at the entrance to the hotel. The 15 000 paper eagles represent the number of Kamitonda residents, while the eagle is a Namibian sporting symbol. The team rested for two days before starting with intense training at the Kamitonda Sports Complex yesterday. This week's preparation is focused on getting Namibia ready for their first game against Italy on Sunday.The team's second match will be against South Africa on 28 September. Namibia will then meet New Zealand on 6 October, before clashing with Canada on 13 October in their final pool match. Namibia are yet to win a match at a Rugby World Cup.Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Domo arigato!

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-19

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Domo arigato!

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-19

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