Welwitschias starting lineup for Italy game named

Erasmus Shalihaxwe

Namibia’s national rugby team, the Welwitschias, has named its starting lineup for the international friendly match against Italy on Friday. 

The match is the final preparation encounter before the Africa Cup in Uganda, which will take place from 8 to 19 July 2025. 

The tournament will also serve as a qualification event for the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.

The starting line-up includes Haitembu Shikufa, Louise VD Westhuizen, Aronos Coetzee, Adriaan Ludik, Johan Retief, Prince !Goaseb, Max Katjijeko, Adriaan Booysen, Jacques Theron, Tiaan Swanepoel, Jurgen Meyer, Danco Burger, Alcino Izaacs, Danie Merwe, and Andre Burg.

This follows after the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) president, Petri Theron, announced on Tuesday that former national team player Chrysander Botha has stepped down from his role as head coach due to professional commitments. 

Theron assured the rugby community that the union has moved quickly to ensure the team’s preparations continue smoothly for the upcoming Africa Cup. 

Darryl de la Harpe, a former Namibian international, has been appointed as technical assistant to the national team. 

De la Harpe will support the coaching staff in preparing the team for the tournament.

“The NRU remains committed to its long-term goals, including qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia,” Theron said. 

“Former captain Jacques Burger will guide the team through the World Cup journey. In his role as director of rugby, Jacques has taken charge of a strong team of coaches focused on preparing the national side for this critical qualification.”

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