A former Western Province Currie Cup coach is set to be appointed as a consultant to Namibia.
According to reports, Jerome Paarwater, who is currently employed by the Stormers, is expected to take on an advisory role with the Namibian Rugby Union in the coming weeks.
Paarwater, who is also Kenya’s head coach, will not take over as Namibia’s head coach but will instead focus on strengthening structures following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2027 World Cup.
His role is expected to include assessing the country’s club systems, supporting local coaches and offering strategic guidance to the union.
Paarwater’s expected involvement comes after significant changes within the NRU, including the departure of former captain Jacques Burger and his coaching staff in December.
Burger had been appointed director of rugby in 2024, succeeding Allister Coetzee, who coached Namibia at the 2023 World Cup.
Namibia’s recent struggles – including not qualifying for the 2027 World Cup – have had wider implications. After losing 30-28 to Zimbabwe in the Africa Cup final, they missed out on automatic World Cup qualification and subsequently failed to secure a place via the final qualifying tournament in Dubai.
Missing out on the global showpiece for the first time after appearing in the previous seven editions has led to reduced funding from World Rugby, limiting the NRU’s ability to make full-time appointments.
If you look at history, they actually have a very good record here at Loftus,” Coetzee said on Tuesday. “There have been a couple of games where they’ve had our number, so we know it’s always a big challenge.
“It’s a massive clash and the guys are very excited for it. The Stormers have got danger all over the park – a lot of X-factor players who can create momentum and punish you if you’re not accurate.”
Every player knows where he stands. There’s an open-door policy and everyone has an important role to play – whether you’re starting, on the bench, or outside the matchday squad
