Namibia Seeks Redemption, UAE Eyes History in Rugby World Cup Play-Off
“Namibia can and will fight to earn our rightful place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup,” said Namibia Rugby Union President Petrie Theron. Watch the decisive Asia-Africa play-off against the UAE live on Saturday, July 26 at 15:00 EAT on Rugby Africa’s Facebook page and RugbyPass TV.
KAMPALA, Uganda – After the heartbreak of missing out on automatic qualification for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, Namibia are back on the pitch, still eyeing what would be an eighth consecutive appearance at the global event.
Their path continues this Saturday with a decisive Africa-Asia play-off clash against the United Arab Emirates at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala at 15:00 EAT.
Last weekend’s dramatic 30–28 loss to Zimbabwe in the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup final not only stunned fans across the continent, it also brought an end to Namibia’s long-standing dominance of African rugby, a run that began in 1999 and saw them secure Africa’s sole automatic Rugby World Cup slot for nearly three decades.
But the Welwitschias aren’t done yet.
“Namibia can and will fight to earn our rightful place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup,” said Namibia Rugby Union president Petrie Theron at a press conference on Tuesday.
“Over the past weeks, Namibia has once again stood tall on the African rugby stage, representing our nation with courage, pride, and resilience during the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup.
“While we fell short in the final against Zimbabwe, I want to first acknowledge the tireless efforts of our coaching staff, support team, and above all, our players who gave their all on the field. This result is naturally disappointing for us all. However, let me assure you: our journey is not over.
“Namibia remains firmly in the hunt for qualification to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. To our supporters across Namibia, thank you for standing behind your team. Your passion, belief, and encouragement remain a vital part of our mission. We ask you to continue walking with us as we prepare for what lies ahead.”
In a show of unity across the continent, Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah released a letter of support to Namibia, praising their commitment and urging them forward. “Africa believes in you,” wrote Mensah. “We are cheering for you every step of the way!”
The winner of Saturday’s match will then proceed to a global Repechage, featuring four teams from different parts of the world. The tournament, expected to be closely-fought with strength pitted against strength, will take place in Dubai between 8 and 18 November. The winner of that final qualification tournament then qualifies for the Men’s World Cup in 2027.
Clear that hurdle, and Namibia would join South Africa and Zimbabwe as Africa’s representatives, marking the first time the continent sends three teams to a Men’s Rugby World Cup.
But standing in their way is a UAE side with ambitions of their own. Runners-up at the 2025 Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship, the UAE are chasing a first-ever World Cup appearance and arrived in Kampala on Tuesday brimming with confidence.
Ranked 39th in the world, 12 spots behind Namibia, the Emiratis have steadily developed a more structured and attack-minded style under head coach Apollo Perelini. Their growing investment in high-performance programmes and rugby infrastructure across the seven emirates has made them a rising force in the region.
Perelini, a former Samoa international and World Cup veteran, brings a wealth of experience and a sense of purpose to the role.
A pioneer of Middle East rugby, the New Zealand-born coach represented Samoa at the 1991 World Cup and is now aiming to make history by coaching a team to the same tournament.
Nicknamed “The Terminator” for his bone-rattling hits during his days with Sale Sharks, Perelini has made it clear that qualification would be a dream come true for his players and a landmark moment for rugby in the region.
Back in Kampala, Namibia have made three changes to their squad following injuries sustained during the Africa Cup. Jacques Theron, Wian Conradie, and Jay-Cee Nel have been ruled out. Quirone Majiedt, Aston Mukwilongo, and Gerhard Opperman have flown in as replacements
The match will be played at Mandela National Stadium and broadcasted live by official partner NBS Sport (https://nbssport.co.ug), while also streamed globally on RugbyPass TV and the Rugby Africa Facebook page. Tickets are available to local fans through MTN MoMo platforms (https://www.mtn.co.ug/momo), the official payments partner, with both general admission and VIP options currently on sale. Supporters across Uganda and the region are encouraged to book early and be part of this historic milestone in African rugby.
Notably, with all qualification set to conclude by the end of 2025, a first in Men’s Rugby World Cup history, all participating teams will be confirmed ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2027 Draw. Hong Kong clinched the 2025 Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship and thus secured their first-ever automatic qualification to the Rugby World Cup 2027. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe won the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup final—defeating Namibia 30‑28—and earned automatic qualification as Africa 1. The World Rugby Rankings will inform team seedings for the tournament draw. Fans interested in tickets for RWC 2027 can register at here.
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Written by Enock Muchinjo
