Former Leopards and Cell C Sharks midfielder, Johan Deysel, will lead Namibia to the Rugby World Cup in Japan later this month.
Namibian coach Phil Davies also included veteran scrumhalf Eugene Jantjies, who will travel to a fourth Rugby World Cup. The 67-cap half-back is one of four players – alongside Darryl de la Harpe, Rohan Kitshoff and PJ van Lill – included by Davies who appeared at New Zealand 2011.
In total, 15 players in the group have previous Rugby World Cup experience, including Deysel and Tjiuee Uanivi, who will act as the centre’s vice-captain in Japan.
Namibia have qualified for each of the last six Rugby World Cups but are yet to register their first win. The Welwitschias came close to ending that drought in Exeter four years ago, however, Theuns Kotzé’s late try could not prevent a 17-16 defeat to Georgia at Sandy Park.
Namibia have been drawn in Pool B at Rugby World Cup 2019 and will open their campaign against Italy in Higashiosaka on September 22 before games against South Africa, New Zealand and Canada.
Davies’ side finished fourth at World Rugby Nations Cup 2019 in June despite beating hosts Uruguay 30-28 in Montevideo.
They will conclude their preparations for Japan with a second match against PRO14 side Southern Kings on Saturday. Namibia won the first encounter 28-22.
Namibia Rugby World Cup squad: Forwards: Andre Rademeyer, Nelius Theron, Desiderius Sethie, AJ de Klerk, Johannes Coetzee, Obert Nortje, Louis van der Westhuizen, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Tjiuee Uanivi, Johan Retief, Thomasau Forbes, Rohan Kitshoff, Max Katjijeko, Prince Gaoseb, Wian Conradie, PJ van Lill, Adriaan Booysen, Janco Venter.
Backs: Cliven Loubser, Helarius Kisting, Damian Stevens, Eugene Jantjies, Darryl de la Harpe, Johan Deysel, Justin Newman, JC Greyling, Johann Tromp, Chad Plato, Lesley Klim, Janry du Toit, PJ Walters.
In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo
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