Junior Welwitschias Eye History as Barthés Trophy Defence Begins
The Junior Welwitschias are chasing more than just another continental title when they head to Uganda for the Rugby Africa Under-20 Barthés Trophy. They are
The Junior Welwitschias are chasing more than just another continental title when they head to Uganda for the Rugby Africa Under-20 Barthés Trophy. They are chasing history.
The Namibian Rugby Union Under-20 men’s team was officially sent off at the Namibia Sports Commission in Windhoek today ahead of its departure for the continental showpiece, which will take place in Kampala Uganda from 7 to 15 August.
As defending champions, Namibia will be aiming to retain the trophy they won in Zimbabwe last year and, in doing so, become the most successful nation in the tournament’s modern era. A fourth Barthés Trophy title would move Namibia ahead of Kenya, with whom they currently share three championships since the competition was renamed in 2016.
Adding to the team’s sense of purpose during preparations was an unusual but powerful ritual. Throughout training in Windhoek, the Barthés Trophy rested beside the field under the watchful eye of head coach Christiaan Johannes Zaayman, serving as a daily reminder of last year’s triumph and the mission that lies ahead in Uganda.
