The International Rugby Board (IRB) has revealed that it has taken over the running of the Namibian Rugby Union (NRU) because of the organisation's "financial problems".
IRB head of development and performance Mark Egan confirmed on Saturday that he has opened an investigation into the NRU, which has been the subject of corruption allegations, and also placed South African rugby administrator Steph Nel in temporary charge of the union.
"It's critical that the NRU is well-organised," Egan is quoted as saying by the Sunday Star Times. "We are asking a small union with limited resources to compete against the best teams in the world.
"The NRU does have some financial problems and there will be careful monitoring of their financial resources. The IRB has additional funding and we will help, but our funds are limited and we hope that the Namibian government and private sector will also assist their national team in this important year."
Indeed, the news has sparked fears that the country might not have sufficient funds to compete in this year's World Cup. However, national team coach Johan Diergaardt is confident that his side will make it to New Zealand.
"The preparations are on track. Some of the players are a bit uncertain, but I don't think it will affect them," Diergaardt said.