Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) has reaffirmed its commitment to Namibian rugby by renewing its partnership with the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) through 2026, with sponsorship valued at N$2 million.

The partnership, through the Windhoek Brand, was renewed at Hage Geingob Stadium and is aimed at supporting rugby development, major events and creating opportunities for Namibian players at both domestic and international level.

The N$2 million sponsorship will support major activities on the 2026 rugby calendar, including the Africa 7s Tournament later this year, as well as responsible consumer engagement, match-day activations, venue branding and media support.

NBL Managing Director Waldemar von Lieres said the company had remained a long-standing supporter of Namibian rugby despite the sport entering a challenging period following the country’s failure to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

“Namibia Breweries Limited has stood beside Namibian rugby for a long time now. That support hasn’t changed, not because it has always been easy, but because we believe in what this game gives the country,” von Lieres said.

He said NBL had supported rugby through different chapters, including periods of national pride, international competition, domestic development and the current rebuilding phase.

Von Lieres acknowledged the disappointment surrounding Namibia’s failure to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which will be the country’s first absence from the tournament since 1999.

“That is a difficult result to accept, and we won’t pretend otherwise,” he said, noting that the setback was particularly difficult for players, coaches and supporters who had worked towards qualification.

Despite the disappointment, NBL opted to maintain its sponsorship rather than withdraw its support.

“We could have used this year to quietly step back, given the circumstances. That would have been the easier path. We chose not to take it,” von Lieres said.

He said the continued sponsorship would help the NRU maintain momentum, deliver its 2026 programme and keep rugby visible while the next generation of Namibian players develops.

Von Lieres said NBL’s commitment was rooted in the company’s connection with Namibians, who support its brands and contribute to its success.

“When they show up for us, it is our duty to show up for them, and for the things they care about,” he said.

He added that rugby represents values shared by NBL, including discipline, teamwork, resilience and national pride.

The NBL managing director also expressed confidence in the direction being taken by the NRU, particularly the strengthening of structures and increased transparency in the union’s administration.

He challenged Namibian rugby to use the current rebuilding period to establish strong foundations for the future.

“Our challenge to Namibian rugby is simple: build towards 2031. Get the foundations right, keep earning the trust of your supporters, and we hope to be walking that road alongside you,” von Lieres said.

Von Lieres siad that the NBL remained proud to stand alongside Namibian rugby during a difficult period.

“Namibia has never needed easy conditions to produce something worth being proud of. Namibian rugby won’t either, and NBL is proud to stand with it,” he said.

NRU Chief Executive Officer John Heynes described the renewed partnership as more than a sponsorship agreement, saying it was built on shared values, national pride and a belief in the ability of sport to unite Namibians.

Heynes thanked NBL and the Windhoek Brand for their support during the hosting of Zambia and the Blue Bulls at Hage Geingob Stadium earlier this year.

“That support helped us deliver quality international rugby to Namibian supporters and provide our players with valuable high-performance opportunities,” Heynes said.

He said Namibia’s rugby programmes were gaining momentum, with the national Under-20 side set to travel to Chile for the World Rugby Under-20 Challenge.

The tournament will provide young Namibian players with another opportunity to compete against strong international opposition and gain valuable international experience.

The senior national team, the Welwitschias, is also preparing for an international programme, with the NRU expected to announce its October and November fixtures in the coming weeks.

Heynes said the fixtures would provide opportunities to bring international rugby to Namibian supporters while giving the Welwitschias further high-level competition.

Namibia’s Sevens programme is also returning to international competition, strengthening the player pathway across both fifteens and Sevens rugby.

“This is a period of rebuilding, but more importantly, it is a period of opportunity and growth,” Heynes said.

He stressed that committed commercial partners remain critical to the continued development of Namibian rugby.

“To Namibia Breweries Limited and the Windhoek Brand, thank you for continuing to believe in Namibian rugby and for investing in our players, our teams and the future of our sport,” he said.

Heynes reaffirmed the NRU’s commitment to professionalism, accountability and delivering value to its commercial partners.

As the union begins its rebuilding journey, both organisations have placed emphasis on developing players, strengthening structures and restoring Namibia’s position on the international rugby stage.

“Together, we rebuild. Together, we grow. Together, we make Namibia proud,” Heynes said.