WINDHOEK, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's Under-20 rugby team's preparations for the 2021 edition of the Barthes Cup have commenced, with the squad expected to enter camp from May 3 to 8, Namibia Rugby Union interim CEO Theo Grunewald told Xinhua Friday.

The 2020 Barthes Cup was postponed due to COVID-19 and rescheduled to March 25 to April 4, 2021. The dates were then again shifted to June 24 to July 4, in Nairobi.

Grunewald said that following successful trials held in Namibia, 35 players were identified and have since commenced training in Windhoek.

"Some of the players that were identified stay in different cities, but have been training on their own, awaiting for the final camp to take place from May 3 to 8 in Windhoek," he said.

Asked on whether Namibia will have any other fixtures before the cup, Grunewald said that talks are currently in the pipeline with one of its neighboring countries for a potential two-match fixture.

"We are still in talks with one of our neighbors and if all materialize we will have two matches between June 16 and 19," he said, adding that he is optimistic that the preparation matches will take place.

The Barthes Trophy is the only national-level junior rugby tournament in Africa, with eight national U20 teams competing for the title. Enditem

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