The Namibian men's rugby union team first played competitively in 1955, against a touring British and Irish Lions side. Known then as South West Africa - "Namibia" was not used to refer to the region until the 1960s, and the country only gained formal independence in 1990 - the team lost by 0 points to 9.
Whilst still referred to as South West Africa, a Namibian test side competed in South Africa's Currie Cup competition, but following independence the first team has competed in the same vein as other international sides. Indeed, Namibia has qualified for every Rugby World Cup since 1999. However, despite being one of the foremost international sides on the African continent, Namibia are yet to win a World Cup match; as a result, they have never progressed beyond the pool stage.
Namibia's men's rugby union team is known by the nickname the "welwitschias", in reference to the eponymous plant, which is found in the Namib desert.
