NAMIBIA Rugby Union (NRU) trials which were scheduled to take place at the Hage Geingob Stadium on Saturday were called off after 31 national team players refused to avail themselves for selection.
The players who boycotted the national as well as the A-team trials formed the bulk of the national team, said NRU Chief Executive Officer Nicky Bekker. Namibia is gearing up for Confederation of African Cup matches on August 14 and 28, when they take on Zambia and Kenya, respectively.Bekker said the players sent an unsigned letter to the NRU Executive Committee, only stating the names of the players boycotting the national trials.Bekker said the 31 players had a meeting with NRU Co-Presidents Dirk Conradie and James Camm.According to Bekker, the players cited the past week’s happenings in Namibian rugby as primary reasons for not taking part in the trials.Former national coach Danie Vermeulen and his assistant Gielie Vermeulen resigned from the national team citing, among other things, lack of co-operation from the NRU.Asked when the trials would take place, the NRU official said: “It is difficult to tell at the moment but that will be decided soon.”- NampaNamibia is gearing up for Confederation of African Cup matches on August 14 and 28, when they take on Zambia and Kenya, respectively.Bekker said the players sent an unsigned letter to the NRU Executive Committee, only stating the names of the players boycotting the national trials.Bekker said the 31 players had a meeting with NRU Co-Presidents Dirk Conradie and James Camm.According to Bekker, the players cited the past week’s happenings in Namibian rugby as primary reasons for not taking part in the trials.Former national coach Danie Vermeulen and his assistant Gielie Vermeulen resigned from the national team citing, among other things, lack of co-operation from the NRU.Asked when the trials would take place, the NRU official said: “It is difficult to tell at the moment but that will be decided soon.”- Nampa
