NBL commits N$2m to support Namibia Rugby Union

Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) has renewed its partnership with the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) through its Windhoek brand. The company has committed N$2 million to support the national teams and the Welwitschias during the 2026 season.

The announcement was made in Windhoek on Tuesday. NBL managing director Waldemar von Lieres confirmed the continued backing despite Namibia failing to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. This will be the first time since 1999 that the country is absent from the tournament.

Von Lieres stated that the decision to maintain support was based on the importance of rugby to the Namibian people. He noted that the company values long-term commitment and that its support remains steady regardless of a single competitive result.

The N$2 million funding will cover various activities on the NRU's 2026 schedule. This includes the Africa 7s Tournament, media support, venue branding, match-day activations, and responsible consumer engagement. The NRU is currently in a rebuilding phase, aiming to strengthen its international calendar and national programmes.

NRU chief executive officer John Heynes welcomed the renewal, noting that corporate partnerships are vital for creating player opportunities and rebuilding union programmes. He described the arrangement as a partnership rooted in national pride and shared values.

Heynes pointed to previous successes, such as hosting the Blue Bulls and Zambia earlier this year, which provided high-performance opportunities for players. The union is now focused on growth and building pathways toward 2031. The Welwitschias are preparing for international matches in October and November, while the Sevens programme prepares for its return to international competition.