Erasmus Shalihaxwe Namibia Rugby Union director Jacques Burger has called on all rugby fans to support the national team, the Welwitschias, as they gear up for a series of international matches. Burger said that next weekend will be packed with action as the team faces Uganda on 14 June in Walvis Bay.  They will then play against South Africa’s Airlink Pumas on 21 June at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek, before hosting Italy on 27 June. “Please come and join us to support the rugby team in the build-up to the game against Uganda in Walvis Bay. Then on the 21st of June, we have the Airlink Pumas here at the Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium, and obviously, I am very excited to be hosting Italy on the 27th of June. So please come and support us, get behind the team and help us get over the line,” said Burger. These matches are part of the team’s preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.  The tournament will take place from 1 October to 13 November and will be the 11th edition of the Men’s Rugby World Cup. Burger said that Namibia is aiming for its eighth straight World Cup appearance.  The team has played in the tournament seven times since its debut in 1999. The Welwitschias have been preparing since the start of the year.  In February, they played against the Boland Cavaliers and lost 54-24. Namibia Rugby Union vice president Johan Diergaardt earlier said the team is focusing on using locally based players to give them international exposure. “Our aim is to give local players as much game-time as possible so that they can compete at the same level as those playing professionally abroad in Europe and other countries,” he said.