The Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) has announced its final 30-man squad for the 2027 Rugby World Cup Final Qualification Tournament, set for November 8–18 in Dubai — with seasoned campaigners Johan Deysel and JC Greyling making a return.
The two Rugby World Cup veterans, who missed the Rugby Africa Cup earlier this year, will be expected to bring valuable experience to a Namibian side aiming to reclaim its place on the world stage after falling short in their continental campaign.
Namibia finished runners-up to Zimbabwe, narrowly losing 30–28 and missing out on Africa’s automatic qualification spot for the first time since 1999.
Head coach Pieter Rossouw, who stepped in shortly before the Africa Cup, has blended youth and experience in his final selection. The squad includes 17 forwards and 13 backs, supported by a 12-member management team.
Also returning is Divan Rossouw of Major League Rugby’s Seattle Seawolves, while regulars Cliven Loubser and Wian Conradie retain their places. Two new faces — Joshua Bester and Gianluca Savoldelli from South Africa’s Western Province Academy — earn maiden call-ups, signaling the Welwitschias’ intent to inject fresh energy into the group.
Rossouw will, however, be without several key players. Le Roux Malan is recovering from a fractured cheekbone, Tiaan Swanepoel (Cheetahs) is set for groin surgery, and Gerswin Mouton (Grenoble) is sidelined with knee ligament damage. Fellow Grenoble man Richard Hardwick is suspended, while Tjiuee Uanivi (Montauban) has opted out of the campaign.
Namibia begin their qualification journey against Belgium on November 8, face Samoa on November 13, and wrap up against Brazil on November 18. Only the tournament winner will book a place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Final Namibia Squad
Forwards: Otja Auala, Joshua Bester, Aranos Coetzee, Gianluca Savoldelli, Haitembu Shikufa, Armand Combrinck, Louis van der Westhuizen, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Max Katjijeko, Tiaan de Klerk, Adriaan Ludick, Johan Retief, Adriaan Booysen, Wian Conradie, Prince Gaoseb, Riaan Grové, Johan Luttig
Backs: AJ Kearns, TC Kisting, Jacques Theron, Cliven Loubser, André van der Berg, Danco Burger, Johan Deysel, Divan Rossouw, JC Greyling, Jürgen Meyer, Aston Mukwiilongo, Jay-Cee Nel, Danie van der Merwe
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