Williams returns to Namibia

Former national rugby coach John Williams has returned to Namibia as a consultant general manager for rugby.

Although his appointment must still be finalised, Williams has already taken up his post, which will see him in charge of all rugby matters, with development, competitions and high performance falling under his ambit.

The CEO of the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU), Sybrand de Beer said that his role had been split in two, with Walters in charge of rugby aspects, while De Beer will be in charge of finances, marketing and advertising.

“Williams’ role is similar to that of a director of rugby and he will report to me. He will be in charge of all rugby aspects, ranging from the national team to the Vodacom Cup and the junior teams,” he said.

The South African Walters was Namibia’s coach during 2008 and 2009 when he helped them qualify for the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand. Since then he returned to South Africa, where he was the head coach of the Falcons in the Currie Cup and Vodacom Cup competitions.

Williams said it was great to be back in Namibia and he was looking forward to his new role.

“It’s great to be back in Namibia. It’ a lovely country and I always said I’d love to come back, so I’m very happy this worked out. I enjoyed my time here before and that’s why I did not hesitate to join again when the NRU approached me,” he said.

Williams said he would work closely with all head coaches, including national coach Danie Vermeulen.

“My role will be that of mentor or a coach of coaches, while we will look at aspects like our playing style and tactics,” he said.

Williams has already started working with a group of 55 players which was selected after pre-trials last weekend in preparation for the Vodacom Cup which starts on 7 March.

This group will be reduced to a final group of 35 players after further trials in mid-February and Williams said he was optimistic that they would do well in the Vodacom Cup.

“We’ve had a bit of a slow start but I believe that we will do well in the Vodacom Cup. If we select the right players we can win a few matches, while we also have home ground advantage for all our matches. With a bit of luck I think we can reach the quarterfinals,” he said.

Williams said his role would also be to put a legacy programme in place for the future.

“I’m aiming to put a legacy programme in place so that we make sure that things don’t fall apart after the World Cup. I’ll be looking at our U-20’s and identifying players for the 2019 World Cup,” he said.

With regard to the 2015 Rugby World Cup, which takes place in England in September and October, Williams sounded optimistic about Namibia’s chances.

“We have got a strong group of players and we have a good opportunity to win some matches at the World Cup,” he said.

De Beer meanwhile said they were in the process of finding a new coach for the Vodacom Cup.

“Danie Vermeulen has enough on his plate preparing for the World Cup, so we are busy looking for another coach for the Vodacom Cup. We will make an announcement in this regard soon,” he said.

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