IRB explains its Namibia role

The International Rugby Board has explained the role it is playing in the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU). It is only a supporting role, for the IRB has not taken over the running of the union.

The IRB has been concerned that the union’s financial and administrative difficulties are having a negative impact on the development of the game in Namibia and on the preparation of its tam for the World Cup this year.

Last week there was a meeting, at the request of the NRU executive, between the NRU authorities and the  IRB head of development and performance Mark Egan, the IRB general manager for Africa Cliffie Booysen and SARU CEO Jurie Roux. The meeting concentrated on the NRU management structures, financial management and control processes, Game development programmes and national team preparations for Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.

A programme was agreed on to address key concerns within the union and to ensure that preparations went ahead for the World Cup. To the last end, Steph Nel, an experienced and dedicated coach who is at present running the Western Province’s institute has been appointed to work with the IRB to assist the Union to establish management and administrative structures and to assist in the preparation of for the World Cup. Nel’s tour of duty will last till the end of September 2011.

The IRB has undertaken to find suitable opposition for Namibia in July and August.