Eyes on History: Namibia Chases Back-to-Back Barthes Trophy Glory

“We want to build on what we achieved last year, represent Namibia with pride and bring the trophy home again,” Dominique Isaacs, Namibia U20 scrum-half.

KAMPALA, Uganda – Every team has its own pre-tournament rituals, but Namibia's Under-20 side has found a powerful way to stay focused on its ultimate goal. As the Junior Welwitschias prepare to defend their Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy title in Uganda from 7–15 August, the coveted trophy has become a regular presence at their training sessions in Windhoek. Resting beside the field under the watchful eye of head coach Christiaan Zaayman, the silverware serves as a daily reminder of what the team achieved last year—and what they are determined to bring home once again.

Namibia claimed the Barthes Trophy in Zimbabwe in 2025, securing their third title since the competition was renamed in 2016. The victory saw them draw level with Kenya as the most successful nation in the tournament's modern era, with three championships each. Now, the Southern Africans travel to Kampala with the opportunity to stand alone at the top of the honours list.

Among those leading the charge is dynamic scrum-half Dominique Isaacs, one of the returning champions who lifted the trophy in Harare.

“We want to build on what we achieved last year, represent Namibia with pride and bring the trophy home again,” Isaacs tells Rugby Africa Media.

“At the same time, we want to continue growing as a team and as individuals. So our focus is to take it one game at a time and give everything we have for the Namibia jersey. Winning the tournament and bringing the trophy home after seven years was an achievement that meant something bigger for rugby in our country. We showed that Namibia has the talent to compete at the highest level in African youth rugby. Our victory brought pride to the nation and reminded everyone that the future of Namibian rugby is bright. For me, lifting the trophy was the reward for years of hard work and dedication.”

The triumph in Zimbabwe was especially significant. After winning the tournament on home soil in 2018, Namibia had struggled to replicate that success away from home. Breaking that barrier last year has given the current squad valuable belief as they head into another title defence on foreign soil.

For Isaacs, those experiences provided lessons that extend far beyond the rugby field. “Playing in Zimbabwe last year taught us a lot about what it means to compete away from home,” he says.

“It was not only about the rugby; we also had to adapt to a different environment, deal with the pressure of playing in front of crowds that were not supporting us, and stay focused despite being far from home. Those experiences helped us grow stronger as a team and made winning the tournament even more special.”

This year's championship will be hosted at the Muteesa II Stadium in Kampala, where Uganda has built a growing reputation for staging international rugby events. From passionate supporters to warm hospitality, the East African nation has become a favourite destination for players and fans alike.

The Junior Welwitschias are eager to experience it for themselves. “Coming to Uganda, we expect a different environment, but we know it will be just as challenging,” Isaacs says.

“From what we have heard, Uganda is a beautiful country with passionate people and a strong rugby culture. We are looking forward to experiencing the country and playing in front of a new crowd, but mainly our focus will remain on the rugby.”

With championship experience, confidence built from last year's breakthrough success, and the trophy never far from their sight during preparations, Namibia arrives in Uganda knowing exactly what is at stake.

Their mission is clear: defend the title, make history, and bring the Barthes Trophy home once again.

Performance Division

• Namibia
• Zimbabwe
• Kenya
• Tunisia

First Division

• Zambia
• Uganda

Friday 7 August 2026 (EAT)

• 10:00 - Namibia vs Tunisia (Performance Division)
• 13:00 - Kenya vs Zimbabwe (Performance Division)
• 16:00 - Zambia vs Uganda (First Division)

Tuesday 11 August 2026 (EAT)

• 10:00 - Zambia vs Uganda (First Division)
• 12:00 - LM1 vs LM2 (Performance Division)
• 15:00 - WM1 vs WM2 (Performance Division) (Winner of Tournament)

Saturday 15 August 2026 (EAT)

• 16:00 - Uganda vs Zimbabwe (Test Match)