Namibia Rugby Ltd appoints new CEO

WINDHOEK, Jan. 26 – Namibia Rugby (Ltd) yesterday announced the appointment of Mervin Green as its Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect.

Bradley Basson, the president of Namibia Rugby Union said, “There is a lot of work to be done. It is only fair that he commences with the duties he has been appointed for. I am sure that we have made the right choice in appointing him because his previous working success in other countries can testify to that.”

Green is not new to the rugby sphere and boasts a proven track-record, making him one of the best and well-known Rugby professional administrators in the world.

After his professional rugby career from 1980-1988 Green moved into coaching and administration, becoming the Vice-Chairman of South Africa Rugby Schools Association (SARU) by 1997. He was also a SARU senior manager where his responsibilities included drafting policies and strategies.

He also directed all junior tournaments and teams.

Most recently, he was general manager of Strategic Transformation at SARU.

“He was instrumental in negotiating and liaising with national and provincial ministries and various forums on the subject of transformation in South African rugby reporting directly to the CEO,” Basson stated.

Internationally, Green currently holds the position of General Secretary of Rugby Africa where he provides strategic guidance in terms of developing the game on the continent.

Green regularly represents SARU and Rugby Africa at World Rugby General Council meetings and conferences.

Thanking the management of his appointment Green said that he sees the new phase Namibian rugby is entering as an exciting challenge.

“I have gained knowledge through years of experience in the game and am ready to plough back by making a difference in Namibia,” he said.

Another valuable addition to Namibian rugby comes in the form of Peter Handing, who is seconded to Namibia by World Rugby as the general manager of High Performance until the end of World Cup 2019.
Harding will bring in depth knowledge and skills on running world class high performance systems and structures. – Jonsey Douglas

According to Harding his experience as lead for the strength and conditioning for, amongst others the English Institute of Sport in London and Qantas Wallabies earned him acclaimed position of high performance consultant at World Rugby.

“Setting up a functional high performance structure in Namibia will be beneficial to all national teams in many facts of the game for years to come. And I am honored to be part of the team,” he said.

Namibia Rugby Ltd is a newly registered entity and will work closely with the Namibia Rugby Union. The company has been established to look after the well being of all national teams, the senior national team; Windhoek Draught Welwitschias; Namibia under 20s and Namibia National Sevens team.
Jonsey Douglas