Welwitschias to face WP, Blue Bulls

Namibia’s national rugby team, the Welwitschias, will undergo a test of credentials when they face two South African provincial rugby teams on consecutive weekends. This was announced at a press conference held on Wednesday, with the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) stating that the team will play Western Province on June 14 before taking on the Blue Bulls on June 21. Sybrand de Beer, the NRU’s CEO, also announced that the union has secured a sponsorship to host the two matches after Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL), through their Windhoek Draught brand, undertook the financial burden. FNB Namibia is set to act as the associate sponsor of the matches, which are aimed at preparing the Welwitschias for their attempt to reach a fifth successive Rugby World Cup tournament. De Beer explained that the NRU has a lot lined up for those days as a number of matches will take place as curtain raisers while a tent with a big screen is also set to be erected at the Hage Geingob Stadium. “On the 14th we will play at 14:00 with the Springboks playing Wales at 16:00 and fans will be able to watch that game in the tent,” he said. The reverse will happen on the 21st as the Springboks will play at 14:00 with the Welwitschias then tackling the Blue Bulls at 16:00. This is in addition to jumping castles for the kids as well as refreshments that will be available for the fans at the venue. “So bring your kids,” De Beer said. For his part, FNB’s head of strategic communications, Dixon Norval, expressed his excitement at being involved with the hosting of games of such magnitude. “I trust that our national team will teach them a trick or two,” he said. NBL’s marketing manager, Ian Stevenson, said it is a pleasure to be involved in an initiative that brings fans of the game together. “Fantastic camaraderie is built among the players and among the supporters… and that is what our brand stands for,” he said. More matches NRU president Bradley Basson while acknowledging the “generous sponsorship”, called upon companies to join them so that they can secure more matches for the national team. “I believe that if we play as many matches as [what] the international teams do, we’d be even better. Our players may appear weak but that is just down to the number of games played,” he stated. “We have natural talent but without sponsors, it will be tough for us to compete,” he said, adding that only “through strategic partnerships can the game grow”. Basson also alluded to the fact his executive committee at the NRU has “managed to restore confidence of the business sector” after its audited financial statements proved favourable. Tickets for the game will be available at all Computicket outlets as well as online. Entry to the grand stand costs N$50 for both matches and for the game against Western Province the main stand seats will cost N$150. Against the Blue Bulls the main stand tickets will cost N$200. De Beer explained that this is because Province will be bringing their Vodacom Cup side while the Bulls are expected to bring their strongest available Super Rugby team.