Allister Coetzee's Namibia finds strength in the dunes of Walvis Bay

Walvis Bay is renowned for the abundance of its wildlife. Whales bask offshore while flamingos, pelicans and Damara terns all shelter in the tidal lagoon.

Look closely of an evening in the dunes, just as the sun is setting, and you may also catch a glimpse of Namibia's future rugby stars practising their drills.

Namibia became independent in 1990 but its long association with neighbouring South Africa means that rugby has been infused into the nation's sporting DNA.

Kudu Rugby Club is just one that caters for all levels.

It was founded in 1961 by a group of workers watching the kudus - the local name for antelopes - during their travels by train from Cape Town to Walvis Bay: it now has over 120 registered players.

The men's first team plays in the NRU Premier League and includes some top players like current international Chad Plato and 22-year-old Giovanni Izaaks who puts in three to six hours of training a day in a bid to reach the top level.

"My dreams are to work my way up to being a professional rugby player," says Izaaks who also coaches the Under-11 boys' team.

"I want to play for the national 15 and national sevens squads. After I retire I want to coach to give back and help boys who don't have the necessary help or facilities."

This year the Kudus have reached the national semi-finals in Windhoek on 19 August where they will face Trustco United. Kudus have never won the title but they believe this will be their year.

The reserve team has also made it through to the semis as has their women's team who will face off against Wanderers Bokkies.

Even if Plato fails to make the final squad for the World Cup, Kudus will be represented in France by the presence of Chrysander Botha, assistant to coach Allister Coetzee who used