The Namibia Rugby Union has named a 31-man squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. The squad is captained by Johan Deysel and includes a mix of experienced players and young talent.
The most notable inclusion in the squad is former Wallaby flank Richard Hardwick. Hardwick was born in Windhoek, but raised in Australia and won two Wallaby caps in 2017. He has since made three Test appearances for the Welwitschias.
Other experienced players in the squad include lock PJ van Lill, who is set to make his fourth Rugby World Cup appearance, and flyhalf Eugene Jantjies, who will be looking to lead Namibia to their first ever victory at the tournament.
The young players in the squad include fullback Chad Plato, who is one of the most exciting young talents in Namibian rugby, and scrum-half Wian Conradie, who has been in impressive form for the Welwitschias this season.
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Namibia are in Pool A of the Rugby World Cup, along with hosts France, three-time champions New Zealand, Italy, and Uruguay. They will face Italy in their opening match on September 9.
The Namibian squad is as follows:
Forwards:
- Aranos Coetzee
- Torsten van Jaarsveld
- Casper Viviers
- Adriaan Ludick
- Ruan Ludick
- Mahepisa Tjeriko
- Tjiuee Uanivi
- PJ van Lill
- Johan Luttig
- Wian Conradie
- Johan Retief
- Max Katjijeko
- Adriaan Booysen
Backs:
- Des Sethie
- Jason Benade
- Louis van der Westhuizen
- Chad Plato
- Danco Burger
- Divan Rossouw
- Eugene Jantjies
- Richard Hardwick
- Prince !Gaoseb
- Le Roux Malan
- Johannes Coetzee
- Tiaan de Klerk
Namibia will be hoping to make history at the Rugby World Cup in France. They have never won a match at the tournament, but they have a strong squad and will be looking to cause a few upsets.
The team will be led by head coach Allister Coetzee, who has a wealth of experience at the international level. Coetzee previously coached South Africa and the Springboks, and he will be looking to guide Namibia to their first ever Rugby World Cup victory.
See more: Meet the Players Who Will Be Competing for Rugby World Cup Glory in France
