By Michael Uugwanga

For most people rugby was always second or third choice or even fourth choice sport for black kids to play, something that John Amutenya had experienced during his teen years.
Amutenya, who was born in Grootfontein, 26 years ago, is yet to play rugby this season for his beloved home club Grootfontein Rugby Club due to work commitment.

Rugby remains one of the biggest sport codes in the country, but is not as popular as football, netball, boxing or athletics when it comes to its popularities in all four corners of the country, especially in areas that the most is yet to reach or to be played even at the grassroots level, especially in the rural areas.
“I started playing when I moved to Wilhelm Nortier Primary school in Grootfontein that is known for its sporting codes especially rugby in 2009. I was 10 years, and I remember not even knowing all the rules — but I loved the contact and teamwork from day one
“Playing rugby has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my life. It’s not just about the game — it’s about discipline, teamwork, and representing my country and community with pride. Every time I step onto the field, I feel that passion and responsibility. I joined them (Grootfontein Rugby Club) in 2021 after spending a few years at Unam Rugby club. It’s been an amazing step forward in my career. I just haven't played this year due to work commitments but I will be back on the pitch 2026.
Rugby gave me purpose. It taught me structure and gave me a reason to wake up early and train. It kept me off the streets and focused on something positive. I’ve also been able to travel, meet people from all over the world, and inspire young players who come from where I come from. Playing rugby gave me brothers, business opportunities,” said Amuenya.
It is well documented that before Independence and early years after Independence rugby was merely a sport of certain individuals or locality or even the school one is schooling at, not only at private schools but also in public schools. 
“I didn’t grow up around rugby much. One day at school, I saw some boys playing and decided to give it a try. That decision changed my life,” he said.
Today, the sport of rugby  has reached more kids throughout the year but that is down to the introduction of Get Into Rugby initiative with the aim of promoting the codes among the previously disadvantage communities. Having not played rugby this year, it also means that any call up to the senior rugby men side, nicknamed the Windhoek Draught Welwitschias was never on the radar but who knows what the future holds.
“I actually played both sports (football and rugby) for a while, but soccer did not suit me because of my weight at the time so rugby gave me a sense of belonging. I loved the physical challenge and the team spirit. It felt like home. . Yes, that perception was definitely there when I was young. But as I grew older, I realised rugby is for everyone. I come from a primary school that housed all races; there was a fair balance of coloured, white and black. At first, there was some surprise, but over time my family became my biggest supporters. My friends were also very encouraging. They saw how passionate I was about the game.
“Currently do not have any cap for Welwitschias but hopefully I get a call up as soon as I start playing again,” said Amutenya.