The Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) has appointed former South Africa, Stormers and Eastern Province Rugby coach Allister Coetzee as head coach of the national team with immediate effect.
His contract will run until the 2023 Rugby World Cup (RWC) scheduled for France.
In a statement to the media, NRU President Corrie Mensah said the NRU believes that Coetzee will assist in realising the union’s goal of not only qualifying for the next World Cup, but that the national team competes at the highest level and does not only participate.
“As the rugby community of Namibia, we welcome Coetzee and trust that together we will take Namibian rugby to greater heights. The NRU will support Allister by creating the most conducive environment in order to successfully coach the national senior team and to deliver on expectations,” he said.
Mensah said Coetzee’s salary will be covered by the NRU.
Meanwhile, Coetzee in the statement said he was grateful for the opportunity and was looking forward to meeting the squad and getting started.
“I am grateful and honoured to be appointed to this position. I will do everything in my power to see Namibia qualify for the 2023 RWC in France. There are going to be trying conditions and circumstances as the world is currently facing this pandemic. I would like to thank the NRU and World Rugby for the confidence and trust bestowed on me,” he said.
Coetzee’s first task will be to coach the team during the forthcoming Rugby Africa Gold Cup Pool A Tournament slated for Ivory Coast from 03 to 11 July 2021.
The Namibia national team, Madagascar and Ivory Coast will participate in a tournament that will see the best two teams of each of the four pools qualify for the Rugby Africa Cup 2022 (Top 8), which will serve as the final Rugby World Cup 2023 qualification event.
During the tournament, Coetzee will be assisted by Robbie Dickson and Chrysander Botha who have been interim coach and assistant coach respectively.
His other goal is to ensure that Namibia wins its first-ever match at the World Cup after five previous attempts.
Source: Namibia Press Agency
