The Namibian Rugby Union has received praise from the IRB for the way it is administering rugby in the country. This follows a visit to Namibia earlier this year by the IRB’s regional Manager for Africa, Mr. Jean-Luc Barthez. In a report submitted to the IRB, Mr. Barthez stated that the Namibian Rugby Union was in very good health and in a much better position than a couple of years ago. “Governance, administration and finances can be used as an example for many unions in the world“ said Barthez in his report.
He also praised the current Namibian administration for their professional attitude and approach to the development of rugby in Namibia. “I met responsible and very professional people who want to properly manage their activities and make rugby the number one sports in the country “ said Barthez. He went on to say that the recent performances of the respective Namibian teams were as a result of the work done behind the scenes with the implementation of new projects that will improve the preparations of the teams and players.
He praised the president of the Namibian Rugby Union, Mr. Bradley Basson “The President ensures that there is strong leadership in place and his input makes a big difference “ according to Barthez who also had good things to say about the NRU’s CEO, Sybrand de Beer .” The CEO is very professional and competent and his commitment is above and beyond the call of duty “
In his reaction Mr. Basson said “It is pleasing to know that our efforts are appreciated and that we are getting somewhere, we have managed to turn around the administration of the union over the past two — three years now”
The IRB report also encouraged the Namibian Rugby Union to work on a number of key issues. These include the development and appointment of a director of rugby, a stronger relationship with tertiary institutions to improve the training of schools coaches and high level preparation for talented players as well the implementation of development program for Women’s rugby.
According to Mr. Basson, the NRU has accepted these recommendations “It is about time that we also improve on the field as ultimately that is where we will be judged and where people want to see us perform. In terms of the report of Jean-Luc Barthez, he has highlighted our strengths, he has also highlighted some areas where we need to improve.”
CEO of the Namibian Rugby Union Sybrand de Beer said that the union has already studied the report and measures have been put in place to implement the recommendations “We take notice of the IRB’s report and while we are extremely happy that they have given us a clean bill of health, we realise that we still have a massive task ahead of us to build the game at grass roots levels through our Get into Rugby program and at the other end ensure that everything is done to allow the national side to perform to its potential“ said de Beer.
