WINDHOEK, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Namibia on Friday announced a 50-man training squad ahead of the Rugby World Cup to take center stage in Japan.
The announcement was made following the team's participation in the World Rugby Nations Cup in Uruguay, where they managed to scrap one win from the three matches played.
Namibia played their last match in the World Rugby Nations Cup 2019 against Russia on June. 15 and lost 20-0.
According to Namibia Rugby despite bagging one win against hosts Uruguay, it resulted in spiking their world rankings.
Namibia Rugby Union president, Edward Mensah thanked World Rugby for a wonderful opportunity which allowed the southwestern African nation to explore and establish their own destiny on route to the 2019 World Cup.
"I am very proud of my team that not only came to compete, but we also measured ourselves in terms of our readiness to compete with Tier 1 countries," he added.
Although Namibia had mixed results certain objectives were achieved which allows for growth and Mensah said he is positive in the group of players that they now have.
"Those that were on the tour at the Nations Cup dead set on maintaining those positions and to fight for their life to end up in the final 31-man squad for the World Cup," he added.
Namibia is scheduled to play two or three warm-up matches prior to the World Cup 2019, Mensah said.
