With the World Cup just over the horizon, the relative international minnows will be gearing up to put in a real challenge against the top-tier nations in France next year.
One such team with an almighty task ahead of them, is Namibia. Drawn in a tough group that consists not just of Six Nations champions France, but also 3-time world champions New Zealand.
Their task has just been made that much harder today, as former captain and talisman Renaldo Bothma has been advised to retire from the game for good.
In a statement released earlier on today, Bothma explained his reasoning for the earlier than expected retirement:
“I have been advised not to continue playing rugby by the doctors due to the serious knee injury I suffered back in april. Which has left my foot paralyzed due to the nerve damage. I still need to undergo one more knee surgery aswell.”
This is sad news for the former international who has been plagued by injuries in recent times. Currently signed up to English Premiership side Harlequins, the time has come for the 32 year old Flanker to hang up his boots.
“I would like to thank every single team member, club, doctor, physio, coach and my family for all the support over the last 13 years of my rugby career. It has been one massive journey. I was very blessed to play rugby around the globe and represent my country at a World Cup. Most of all I thank God for giving me the opportunity to express my talents for so long.
"Rugby has given me so much and I am extremely grateful for the special moments I could share with so many people. I have learned so many things from professional sport and it has definitely helped me getting botthms up and running.I will continue my journey with botthms. Alot of big things are
coming soon.
"I also have a big passion to start raising more awareness about life after rugby and the importance of player welfare in the modern game. Alot needs to change to assist our professional athletes with their transitioning from professional sport into the business world.
Again, thanks to every single person who has been part of my journey. You are all special people and hopefully more exciting thing will come.”
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