Jones to resume coaching duties
The former Welsh international Lyn Jones will spearhead a more experience Welwitschias team for the 2018 Super Sport Rugby Challenge and the Currie Cup season.
Namibia Rugby Limited (NRL) confirmed yesterday that Jones will resume his duties as Welwitschias coach from 1 April.
According to Namibia Rugby Limited CEO, Mervin Green, following a thorough review of the 2017 season, the company board confirmed the appointment of Jones and his assistant coaches Roger Thompson and JP Nel.
“The Welwitschias is the feeder system to the national team and therefore their on-field performances has a direct impact on our international participation,” said Green. According to new NRL board chairman Bradley Basson they are looking for consistency and given the number of near misses in 2017 they did well in the Currie Cup. “We had a poor start in the opening matches but the team improved steadily, taking into account the new talent from the under-20 ranks that were exposed to a higher level of competition,” said Basson.
He said further they have to improve their game all the time, as they have to qualify for the 2019 Rugby World Cup through the Africa Gold Cup, and as such, continuity plays a crucial role moving forward.
According to Jones, the standard of rugby outside of Namibia is incredibly strong and growing at a rapid pace, which needed to be matched, to avoid falling behind.
“Last season players began to understand the importance of getting fit to play rugby, rather than playing rugby to get fit. They also learnt how to train professionally, to be teammates, how the elite game is played and the taking responsibility for their actions. “I look forward to working alongside some special people again this season, in what can only be described as the most important next six months, with the 2019 RWC qualifying matches to be won,” Jones added.
NRU
Namibia Rugby Limited (NRL) confirmed yesterday that Jones will resume his duties as Welwitschias coach from 1 April.
According to Namibia Rugby Limited CEO, Mervin Green, following a thorough review of the 2017 season, the company board confirmed the appointment of Jones and his assistant coaches Roger Thompson and JP Nel.
“The Welwitschias is the feeder system to the national team and therefore their on-field performances has a direct impact on our international participation,” said Green. According to new NRL board chairman Bradley Basson they are looking for consistency and given the number of near misses in 2017 they did well in the Currie Cup. “We had a poor start in the opening matches but the team improved steadily, taking into account the new talent from the under-20 ranks that were exposed to a higher level of competition,” said Basson.
He said further they have to improve their game all the time, as they have to qualify for the 2019 Rugby World Cup through the Africa Gold Cup, and as such, continuity plays a crucial role moving forward.
According to Jones, the standard of rugby outside of Namibia is incredibly strong and growing at a rapid pace, which needed to be matched, to avoid falling behind.
“Last season players began to understand the importance of getting fit to play rugby, rather than playing rugby to get fit. They also learnt how to train professionally, to be teammates, how the elite game is played and the taking responsibility for their actions. “I look forward to working alongside some special people again this season, in what can only be described as the most important next six months, with the 2019 RWC qualifying matches to be won,” Jones added.
NRU
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