NRU enters rebuilding phase after World Cup qualification setback
The Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) is navigating a transition phase following the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup 2027 qualification cycle.
The Union has confirmed that Namibia did not qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. As a result, World Rugby high-performance funding, which is linked to participation in the Rugby World Cup programme, has been adjusted in line with the applicable funding framework.
This change in funding has required the Union to reassess its high-performance structures and overall financial planning to ensure long-term sustainability and alignment with available resources.
The NRU has acknowledged the heightened public interest and commentary surrounding recent developments within the Union. It has affirmed that its governance and executive structures remain fully operational, and that the Union continues to function in accordance with its constitutional, regulatory, and international obligations.
As part of the post-qualification review and funding realignment process, changes have occurred within the Union’s high-performance environment. These developments followed the conclusion of the qualification cycle and the associated reduction in high-performance funding. The NRU emphasised that these matters arose from broader structural and funding considerations, rather than individual or performance-related issues.
The Union has placed on record that all engagements during this process were conducted professionally and in good faith. It remains committed to respectful, transparent, and constructive relationships with all coaches and technical personnel as it enters a rebuilding phase.
Operational continuity has been maintained, and the NRU has confirmed that it remains compliant with all national and international obligations.
In parallel with these developments, the Union has completed an internal review of its governance structures, operational systems, high-performance environment, competitions, development pathways, and financial position. The review highlighted the need for structural strengthening to support long-term growth, sustainability, and competitive relevance, while also confirming the strong foundation provided by Namibia’s rugby community, athletes, and stakeholders.
The NRU has acknowledged calls from within the rugby community for increased engagement, clarity, and communication. As part of its Reset and Rebuilding Strategy, the Union is strengthening its governance, reporting, and stakeholder communication processes to promote transparency, accountability, and trust across the rugby ecosystem.
NRU Reset and Rebuilding Strategy (2026–2031)
The Reset and Rebuilding Strategy represents a deliberate shift from short-term, performance-dependent models towards long-term sustainability, institutional resilience, and competitive relevance.
The strategy is the outcome of a structured internal review and planning process, informed by international best practice and aligned with World Rugby frameworks. It is built on five integrated pillars:
1. Governance, leadership and institutional reform
Strengthening governance and management systems to ensure accountability, transparency, and professional delivery across all levels of the Union.
2. Financial sustainability and commercial growth
Stabilising the Union’s financial position through improved financial management and diversified, sustainable revenue streams, reducing reliance on performance-linked funding cycles.
3. High-performance and national pathway rebuild
Resetting national pathways to support long-term player and coach development within a realistic, sustainable, and internationally aligned framework.
4. Competitions and participation growth
Restructuring competitions to better support development objectives, participation growth, and player progression across all levels of the game.
5. Development, transformation and community impact
Reaffirming rugby as a platform for inclusion, development, and positive social impact across Namibia, with a strong focus on grassroots growth and women’s participation.
Looking ahead
The NRU has acknowledged that recent outcomes represent a challenging period for both the Union and the broader rugby community. However, the NRU remains firmly committed to a disciplined, transparent, and measured rebuilding process.
The 2026–2031 period will focus on institutional stabilisation, sustainable commercial growth, aligned development pathways, and progressive performance improvement over successive competition cycles.
