A Chat with Nambian International, Tjiuee Uanivi

We recently put some quickfire questions to Tjiuee Uanivi of Namibia, currently playing in France with USM Sapiac and formerly with clubs in England and Scotland. Here’s what he’s got to say on some key topics.

How big is the game of rugby in Namibia, and when did you start playing?

Rugby is one of the more popular sports in Namibia and I first picked up a rugby ball at the age of 9.

When was your talent first spotted, and what pathway did you go through before signing your first contract?

After finishing school, I continued playing rugby while studying in Namibia and got the chance to play in the World Student Games which were in France, and that’s where I was spotted by CA Brive to join their Espoirs (Junior team).

You have played in 3 World Cups , including tests against New Zealand - is there a particular highlight from them?

The spectacle of the World Cup itself is a big highlight. Each World Cup has a brand new atmosphere, you can feel the event growing on every occasion. Testing yourself against the best players and nations in the world is also another highlight for me.

Why did you choose to wear N-PRO in particular?

It offers me the best protection - it was an easy choice.

Can you share with any young player reading this, who was your biggest inspiration growing up and what advice would you give a young player looking to become a World Cup competitor.

For anyone younger reading this, and it’s something most of us realise late in our career, it’s the cliché of hard work, being a master at your basics, and lastly, being an absolute expert at your position-related skills.

Is there anything that the 6 Nations teams can learn from how the game is promoted and developed in the States?

I would say that the US is unique and I believe rugby needs to be Americanised – but without losing our traditional values. In terms of how things are advertised, how the athletes individually are talked up, I think we do it really well here. It’s easier in the States for youngsters to follow and support a player, and it’s something that I think rugby in Europe can be better at.