Namibia national rugby coach resigns

The Namibian Rugby Union announced Friday the resignation of senior national team coach Danie Vermeulen, less than three months before the team travels to England for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Vermeulen's resignation comes after a disappointing tour of Romania in the Nations Cup in which the team lost all its three matches.

The Welwitschias lost 30-10 against Argentina in the opening match of the Nations Cup before losing 43-3 in their second match against host nation Romania.

The national rugby side then lost 20-3 in their final match against Spain.

Vermeulen was appointed as head coach in 2012 guiding the national side into Africa's A division and steering the team to victory in the World Cup qualification tournament in Madagascar.

Vermeulen's resignation came less than three months before Namibia kick off their World Cup campaign against New Zealand on September the 24 in London. It also comes just under two weeks before Namibia start the two match Windhoek Draught International Series against Russia at home.

President of the Namibian Rugby Union Bradley Basson said Vermeulen's resignation would not affect Namibia's preparations as a strong and experienced coaching structure was in place.

"While the players will miss Danie's input and experience, we are confident that our campaign is on track," said Basson.

"Last year we appointed Phil Davies as technical advisor and he will now take over the role as head coach. Phil and the rest of the coaching staff have been with the team since October last year and we are confident in their ability to adequately prepare the Namibian team for the task ahead."

An announcement of the new back-line coach will be made within the next couple of days. Endi