WINDHOEK, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's Rugby Union (NRU) Tuesday announced its 30-man squad that will face the Boland Kavaliers, a South African rugby union team, in Windhoek on Saturday.
The match is part of Namibia's preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, and Danco Burger will captain the side, with Jason Benade serving as vice-captain.
The country's rugby governing body confirmed that the game will be played behind closed doors as the nation continues to mourn its founding president, Sam Nujoma, whose state funeral is scheduled for March 1.
"In the world of sports, and more specifically in rugby, Dr. Nujoma's legacy reminds us of the transformative power of teamwork and community. Rugby is a sport deeply intertwined with our national identity, fostering camaraderie and mutual respect among players and supporters alike," the NRU said in a tribute statement Tuesday.
Meanwhile, in January, the NRU outlined the national team's preparations for the Africa Cup in July, a crucial step towards qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
One of the key warm-up matches will be the match against the South African regional side Boland on February 22 in Windhoek, followed by two matches against the Blue Bulls, a South African professional rugby union team, the first on June 17 at a coastal venue to be announced and the second on June 21 in Windhoek. ■
