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PARIS - Namibia have failed to win a match in three World Cups but want to keep improving and would welcome financial backing from the International Rugby Board(IRB).
"We've had talks with the IRB," said Namibia coach Hakkies Husselman, whose team bowed out by losing 30-0 to Georgia in their final Pool D match on Wednesday in Lens.
"If Namibia could get more money for development and help we could go further," he added.
"We have the players, we just need assistance. We are waiting for the IRB to be in contact with us."
Relying on a largely amateur team, Namibia went home after shipping 212 points in four matches. Their record included a 87-10 defeat by France, the tournament hosts' largest overall victory.
"Everyone played their heart out," Husselman said after Namibia were outclassed by Georgia in miserable conditions in their final game.
"At the end it wasn't enough, but we will be back."
However, Husselman added, Namibia's hopes to return could suffer if plans to reduce the number of World Cup entrants from 20 to 16 materialised.
"If we look at the World Cup with 20 sides, I don't think the small teams are doing that badly," said the Namibia coach, who played halfback for his country at the previous World Cup and scored two tries.
"Of course when we play nations like New Zealand, Australia or South Africa we're going to get hammered, but tier one nations get hammered as well.
"If you can assist the small nations with money and development they will improve," he added.
"If there are 16 teams, we have a chance, but it will be much more difficult. We just hope for the best for Namibia. With the help of the IRB we can stay here."
Namibia captain Kees Lensing said his team had failed to reach their goal, which was to win their first World Cup match.
"Every player gave 100 per cent but it was not enough," he said. "Still, it was an honour to represent Namibia. It was great to have the opportunity to play against the big guys and to show what potential we have".
- REUTERS
