Namibia claimed the 2025 Barthes Rugby Trophy by defeating Tunisia 81-7. This victory ended their six-year drought and made them joint record-holders with Kenya for the most championships. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s Junior Sables finished third after a narrow loss to Kenya.
In a stunning display, Namibia triumphed at the 2025 Barthes Rugby Trophy, overpowering Tunisia 81-7 at Old Hararians on Sunday. This victory marks an important milestone for the Welwitchias, who broke a six-year drought since their last title in 2018, having previously secured the trophy in 2017. With this win, Namibia joins Kenya as the only teams to have captured the trophy three times.
Namibia finished the tournament with an unbeaten streak, starting with a solid opening victory against host nation Zimbabwe, winning 41-22. They continued their successful campaign by defeating Kenya 32-22 last Wednesday, solidifying their position as champions. On the other hand, the Junior Sables of Zimbabwe faced disappointment as they fell short against Kenya, losing narrowly 20-21 in front of a large home crowd.
The Junior Sables, piloted by coach Shaun De Souza, struggled throughout the tournament. Their only victory came against Tunisia, where they convincingly won 78-21. Despite hopes for a strong finish, they ended third, while Kenya claimed the runner-up position. The final standings of the tournament reflected Namibia’s dominance, followed by Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Tunisia, in that order.
In summary, Namibia’s achievement at the 2025 Barthes Rugby Trophy underscores their resilience and capability, reclaiming a title they last held in 2017. The Junior Sables’ performance, marked by a single win, highlights the challenges they faced while vying for recognition. Ultimately, the competition results emphasize Namibia’s and Kenya’s strengths in the rugby domain, setting a competitive stage for future years.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
