Namibia claimed the 2025 Barthes Rugby Trophy by defeating Tunisia 81-7, ending a six-year title drought. With this victory, they join Kenya as the only teams to have won the trophy three times. Zimbabwe’s Junior Sables finished third after a narrow loss to Kenya, reflecting challenges in their campaign.
NAMIBIA has emerged victorious in the 2025 Barthes Rugby Trophy, decisively defeating Tunisia 81-7 during the final held at Old Hararians this past Sunday. This triumph marks Namibia’s return to the top after a six-year drought, having last claimed the title in 2018 after winning it in 2017. With this win, they join Kenya as the only two nations to have lifted the trophy three times in its history.
Throughout the tournament, Namibia showcased an impressive performance, remaining unbeaten. They kicked off their campaign with a commanding 22-41 victory over hosts Zimbabwe, followed by a notable win against Kenya, finishing that match 32-22 last Wednesday. Their consistency set the stage for their championship win.
On the other hand, Zimbabwe’s Under 20 team, known as the Junior Sables, fell short against Kenya in a closely contested match that ended with a score of 20-21. Despite playing at home and having a sizable supporting crowd, they did not manage to secure a better finish and ended the tournament in third place, while Kenya claimed the runner-up position.
Under the guidance of Coach Shaun De Souza, the Junior Sables had high hopes but struggled significantly during the tournament, achieving only one victory. Their lone win came against Tunisia, where they dominated with a score of 78-21 last Wednesday. The final standings for the 2025 Barthes Trophy reflect the results of an intense competition.
In summary, Namibia’s triumph at the 2025 Barthes Rugby Trophy ends a six-year wait since their last championship, while Kenya secured second place. On the other hand, Zimbabwe’s Junior Sables, despite home advantage, fell to third place, indicating room for improvement in future tournaments. Namibia’s continued strength in the tournament highlights their rugby prowess on the African stage.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
