IRB Statement of Clarification Regarding the Namibia Rugby Union 09 February, 2011 In light of inaccurate media reporting concerning the current management status of the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU), the IRB feels that clarification is required around certain assumptions regarding the nature of meetings held with the Union in Windhoek last week. 

Contrary to recent media reports, the IRB wishes to categorically state that it is not in control of the Management of the NRU, but is working with all stakeholders to address concerns that the current financial and administrative difficulties facing the Union are potentially impacting on its ability to efficiently govern and grow the Game within Namibia. 

The meetings last week attended by IRB Head of Development and Performance Mark Egan, IRB General Manager for Africa Cliffie Booysen and SARU Chief Executive Jurie Roux were convened at the request of the Union’s Executive Committee. The meetings covered a wide range of issues focusing 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. 

An assistance programme has been agreed with the NRU that will ensure that the appropriate processes are in place to address key concerns and ensure Namibia’s Rugby World Cup preparations continue unhindered. This programme was indentified in collaboration with the NRU and SARU and has been welcomed by the Union. 

A key element of the assistance programme is the appointment of Steph Nel to act as a consultant to the NRU until the end of September 2011. This has been made possible thanks to the assistance of SARU and the Western Province Rugby Union. Nel’s remit will be to work with the IRB to assist the Union to implement robust management and administration structures and work with the national team management to ensure that the best possible preparations are in place for the team’s participation in Rugby World Cup 2011. 

Namibia will compete in the Vodacom Cup in South Africa which kicks off this month and the IRB Nations Cup in June. The IRB will be working to secure additional international level fixtures for Namibia in July and August as further preparation ahead of Rugby World Cup 2011. 

Further Information:

Dominic Rumbles, IRB Head of Communications, +353 868 520 826, email dominic.rumbles@irb.com