Nickname: Welwitschias
Colors: Blue/White/Red/Yellow
Anthem: Namibia Land of the Brave

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Rugby union has been played in the country since 1916 when it was introduced by migrants from South Africa. Before Namibia gained its independence in 1990, the team, as South West Africa, played in South Africa's domestic club competition, the Currie Cup.

The Namibia Rugby Union was only formed in March 1990, and it joined the International Rugby Board in the same month. Independence came too late for Namibia to qualify for Rugby World Cup 1991. Hardened by regular, tough competition in the Currie Cup, the first few years of Namibian rugby union were relatively successful, their highest point being 2-0 home series victories over Ireland and Italy in 1991. That year the Welwitschias won all 10 of their Tests, the others being five victories against Zimbabwe and one against Portugal in Lisbon.

The 1999 World Cup marked their debut at the tournament and since then they have been Africa's second representative alongside ever-presents South Africa. While they suffered heavy defeats by France, Fiji and Canada, they took pride in scoring an early try and being level with France after 20 minutes.

Namibia initially struggled in the qualifiers for the 2007 tournament, suffering a shock defeat to Kenya, their first ever to the East African nation, and another to Tunisia. After the Kenya defeat they slumped to 28th in the IRB rankings. However, after defeating Tunisia at home they were effectively through to two deciding matches against Morrocco, to determine which of the two African nations would make it to France in 2007. They convincingly won both legs, qualifying for the World Cup.

Anthem

Land of the Brave

Namibia land of the brave
Freedom fight we have won
Glory to their bravery
Whose blood waters our freedom
We give our love and loyalty
Together in unity
Contrasting beautiful Namibia
Namibia our country
Beloved land of savannahs
Hold high the banner of liberty

Namibia our Country
Namibia Motherland
We love thee