Andre Stoop


Andre Stoop is a Namibian retired rugby union and rugby league player. At fullback he played domestic rugby union in South Africa and played for the Namibian national team. In 1991 he changed codes to play rugby league in the United Kingdom. Between 1991 and 1996 he played for Wigan, and Keighley Cougars. In 1996, he returned to rugby union and signed for Blackheath.

Career

Stoop played in South African domestic competitions, the Sports Pienaar Cup and Currie Cup for Namibian side South West Africa between 1980 and 1991. In 1988 he was named Namibian Sportsman of the Year. Between March 1990 and August 1991 he was capped 11 times for the Namibian national team. In his 11 appearances Stoop scored six tries as Namibia won 10 of the 11 matches. In the one game where he was on the losing side he was sent off for head-butting an opponent. Stoop was also selected to play for invitational side the South African Barbarians on seven occasions.
In 1991 Stoop moved to the United Kingdom, changed codes and joined rugby league team Wigan. During a two season stay at Wigan, Stoop made 16 appearances before joining London Crusaders. After a single season at London, Stoop joined Keighley Cougars in August 1994.
At the end of the 1996 rugby league season, Stoop returned to rugby union joining London side Blackheath.