Namibia name U/20 squad for Barthés Trophy title defence

The Namibian Rugby Union (NRU) announced the final squad following an extensive selection process and preparation programme. Namibia will travel to Uganda looking to retain the title they reclaimed in Zimbabwe last year after an unbeaten campaign under Ben Burger.

The squad features a blend of players from local clubs, schools and universities, with strong representation from UNAM RC, Wanderers RC, Windhoek High School (WHS), Walvis Bay Private (WAP), Reho Falcons RC and players studying in South Africa.

The forward pack includes Tauno Hamukoto (UNAM RC), Stephanus Burger (University of Stellenbosch), Marchall Klein (UNAM RC), Benjamin Mostert (University of Stellenbosch), Joshwin Solomons (Kudus RC), Pandeni Shipena (WAP), Keanan Louw (WHS), Isaiah Kazondovi (WHS), Jacobus Mouton (WAP), Tjeripo Karuhumba (Wynberg), Tiaan V/D Vesthuizen (Walvis Bay Private), Pieter Jan Strydom (RTA), Nzola-Menza Nkunku (Western Suburbs RC), John Connor Nel (University of Stellenbosch), Eduardo Dunn (WAP) and Valentino Niigambo (UNAM RC).

The backs are Dominique Isaacs (Wanderers RC), Damian Klein (WHS), Mc-Rein Luther van Wyk (WHS), William Beukes (WHS), Jano Erasmus (University of Stellenbosch), Soobramoney Sammy (United RC), Ethan Sinden (Wanderers RC), Jayden Jansen (Reho Falcons RC), Dedrick-Nell Bezuidenhout (UNAM RC), Carlo Hawanga (United RC), Bertus Les-Narib (Wanderers RC) and Wesley Haukongo (Reho Falcons RC).

The team will be led by head coach Johannes Zaayman, assisted by Gerhard Opperman, with Dr Wilfred Nico Bezuidenhout serving as team doctor, Megan Sam as physiotherapist, Sergio De La Harpe as strength and conditioning coach, and Jacobus Husselman as team manager.

Namibia head to Uganda carrying high expectations after ending a seven-year wait for the Barthés Trophy in 2025. They capped off that campaign with a commanding 81-7 victory over Tunisia in the final match, finishing the tournament unbeaten to qualify for the World Rugby U20 Trophy.

The 2026 tournament will feature hosts Uganda alongside Namibia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tunisia, Senegal, Madagascar, Côte d'Ivoire and Zambia, with the young Welwitschias aiming to successfully defend their African title.