Rossouw excited by Rugby World Cup challenge

Former Blue Bulls back-line coach Pieter Rossouw says he is very excited about the prospect of working with the Namibian national team at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England. The Namibian Rugby Union (NRU) confirmed on Monday that Rossouw has been appointed as back-line coach for the Namibian national side for the global spectacle. The appointment to Namibia’s coaching staff is the result of a long standing relationship between the NRU and the Blue Bulls. “I have a big passion for Namibia, the people of Namibia; I know many of the players and coaching staff and see this as a big but exciting challenge [and] a new chapter in my rugby career,” said Rossouw. Rossouw’s contract with the Blue Bulls comes to an end in October but according to the former Springbok, the Super Rugby team’s management were very accommodating in allowing him to be involved with the Namibian national team. “The Blue Bulls were very supportive of this move and without their co-operation it would not have been possible for me to join Namibia.” The 43-test Springbok veteran said he was hugely excited about the back-line talent available to Namibia. “There are very talented players in the squad, the challenge is to get them on a level where they can compete at the same intensity as our opponents at the World Cup,” said Rossouw. Rossouw said he shared in Namibia’s goal of winning their first match ever at the Rugby World Cup. “I have already spoken to the new head coach Phil Davies and we think very much along the same lines and I look forward to working with him,” he said. Rossouw will join the Namibian National squad in Windhoek on Sunday evening ahead of the start of the Windhoek Draught Friendship Series with Russia. The two test matches against Russia will be played at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek on July 11 and 18 respectively. Kick-off for both matches is at 15:00. WINDHOEK-NRU