Namibia to Face Kenya in Barthes Cup Final

The Namibian under-20 rugby team will face Kenya in the final of the Barthes U-20 Trophy which is taking place in Nairobi from 4th to 7th April 2019.

The competition was renamed in 2016 in honor of the late Jean-Luc Barthes, who worked as Rugby Service Manager for Africa at World Rugby for 14 years.

The winner of the Barthes U-20 Trophy qualifies for World Rugby U-20 trophy, the second tier global competition for national U-20 teams.

In the opening matches here on Thursday, Namibia became the first team to qualify for the final of the four-nations competition after they thrashed Senegal 45-12 in the opening match.

Namibia lead 19-7 at half time with tries from Elmaro Beukes, Denzo Bruwer and Italoo John Amutenya with Bruwer adding the last two conversions before Senegal’s full back Ameth Sall dotted down in the 28th minutes with Mansour Sall adding the twos.

In the second half, Darryl Wellman, Denzo Bruwer, Lincoln Beukes and Darnryl Wellman all landed tries for Namibia in the second half with Bruwer adding three conversions. Ibrahim Diaby landed Senegal’s second try and final try in the match.

Host nation Kenya played the second match of the day where the demolished Tunisia 73-0 for another appearance in the final.

Beldad Ogeta scored four tries to help Paul Odera charges score ten tries converting eight.

Namibia and Kenya will now play for the number one spot on Sunday, while Senegal and Tunisia will clash in the third and fourth place play-off.