THE Namibian Rugby Union has announced a squad of 40 players for the Welwitschias’ upcoming matches against Zimbabwe next month.
The matches will serve as preparation for the Africa Cup in July and players from all over the country staked their claims at national trials last weekend.
That group of 70 players has been narrowed down to 40, consisting of 21 forwards and 19 backs, with Unam (11 players) and United (10) providing the bulk.
Wanderers and Western Suburbs have five representatives each, Grootfontein four and Kudus three.
The selection committee consisted of Robbie Dickson, the interim national coach; Chrysander Botha, the assistant coach; Jood Opperman (u20 coach) and Darryl de la Harpe (former national player).
The NRU announced that all the selected players are expected to train at the national stadium next Monday and Wednesday, whereafter the players will be released to play for their clubs on Saturday, 29 May.
The final squad of 26 players selected to face Zimbabwe will be announced on 31 May, and these players will not be available for their clubs from that date onward.
Forwards:
Simon Kanime, Ignus Tripodi, Ethan Thiart, Des Sethie, Jason Benade, Gerhard Opperman, Gerhard Thirion, Chemigan Beaukes, JC Rossouw, Johan Luttig, Pieter Kok, Lebeau du Preez, Thomas Kali, Ruan Ludik, Joshua Jacobs, Max Katjijeko, Ryan Garoeb, Prince Gaoseb, Dean Blom, Cameron Langenhoven, Pieter Diergaardt, (21 forwards).
Backs:
DJ Holtzhausen, Jacques Theron, Riaan van Zyl, Denzo Bruwer, Hanreco van Zyl, Godwin Sylvanus, PJ Walters, Ethan Beukes, Justin Newman, Alcino Isaacs, Louis Grobbelaar, Oderich Mouton, Morgan Esterhuizen, Gino Wilson, Lloyd Jacobs, Nazume Swartz, Chad Plato, Lorenzo Louis, Ricardo Swartz (19 backs).
