Red tape means Moseley scrum half Ryan De La Harpe misses out on Namibia debut

Nov 19 2010 by Brian Dick, Birmingham Mail

RYAN De La Harpe looks to have missed out on the chance to make his international debut for Namibia.

The scrum-half was due to meet up with his compatriots for the Test matches against Spain and Portugal later this month.

But a problem with immigration red-tape has deprived the 28-year-old of the chance of playing alongside his brother Darryl in what – with less than a year to go before the Rugby World Cup – would have been key fixtures in the Africans’ preparations.

The ex-Sale Jets half-back is also unlikely to figure in Sunday’s trip to Cornish Pirates too after Gloucester made Dan Robson available.

The Kingsholm prospect, who has made three replacement appearances so far this term, will start on the bench at The Mennaye as Moseley look to build on their recent upturn in performances.

“It’s a case of use him or lose him a little bit,” said head coach Ian Smith. “He should have played for us up at Rotherham but was ill.

“Then he was due to be part of the Doncaster match only for Gloucester to use him against Saracens. Like all the young lads we have had from Gloucester they all have their very good points but need to play worthwhile rugby where they are accountable for every one of their actions.

“They will make mistakes, all of them have, but that’s why they are here, so that they can learn.” Chevvy Pennycook also returns.