The Commission, according to Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) President Dirk Conradie, indicated that they were ready to assist.

The Commission has favourably given us an indication that they are ready to help us, he said.

A meeting was scheduled between the parties for late yesterday on the issue.

The team needs at least N$1,3 million to cover players fees, insurance, medical equipment and clothing gear.

At the moment the team, which is due to leave for Australia on October 1, will have to go without ties and blazers bearing the national emblem.

Director of Sport in the Ministry of Basic Education Sport and Culture, Vetumbuavi Veii said the Government was not in a position to assist the Namibian side at this stage.

The NRU approached the Government in a last bid for funds after being left in limbo.

The two companies, a mobile telecommunications company and a bank (they were not named) failed to form a consortium which they proposed to the NRU, in an effort to financially assist the team to the world cup.

Veii yesterday said the additional budget they requested was not approved by the Ministry of Finance ands therefore cannot help any code at this stage.

Conradie last Friday told journalists that the the union will receive about 70 000 pounds from the International Rugby Board (IRB) after the world cup, money which is given to each participating nation at the end of the event.

He said the union will be able to pay back the money after the event to any institution which will assist them at this stage.

Conradie last week was planning to approach banks for an overdraft to cover the costs.

Meanwhile, Conradie confirmed that Hugo Horn, Jean du Toit, Johan Theron (all Griquas) and Lean van Dyk (Western Province), have been black-listed by the IRB.

The players are not allowed to play rugby for their provinces until ten days after the world cup, he said.

The players pulled out of the national side, opting for their South African-based provinces due to massive financial rewards for playing there.

The four have been replaced by Shaun van Rooi, prop Andries Blaauw, hooker Phillipus Isaacs and fullback Vincent Dreyer.

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