In a bid to replicate the recent success of the Springboks across all its national teams, South Africa (SA) Rugby has announced significant changes to its coaching lineup.
The organization is adding experienced personnel to bolster the performance of the Springbok Women and Junior Springboks, aligning with a four-year strategic plan to enhance South Africa’s rugby credentials on the global stage.
Swys de Bruin, a former Springbok coaching consultant, has been appointed as Performance Coach for the Springbok Women.
De Bruin, known for his tactical expertise, will work alongside Bafana Nhleko, who has been redeployed from his role with the SA U20s to the senior women’s fifteens team.
This new coaching team will be supported by current Springbok Women assistant coaches Franzel September and Laurian Johannes-Haupt. De Bruin’s appointment is aimed at strengthening the team’s performance ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England in September 2025.
Kevin Foote, a former Springbok Sevens captain with over a decade of coaching experience in Australia, including his recent tenure as head coach of the Melbourne Rebels, will return to South Africa to take over the reins of the Junior Springboks.
Foote replaces Nhleko, who had been with the SA U20 side for four seasons. Lumumba Currie will continue in his role as assistant coach of the Junior Springboks.
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer highlighted these changes as part of a broader restructuring process within SA Rugby’s High-Performance Department. “We have obviously targeted winning the Rugby World Cup in 2027 for the Springboks, but we also have goals for other national teams,” said Oberholzer.
“We expect to see the Junior Boks winning the World Rugby U20 Championship at least once in a three-year period, for the Springbok Women to climb the world rankings to be in the top eight, and the Blitzboks to consistently medal at major events.”
The restructuring initiative, overseen by Dave Wessels, who was appointed General Manager earlier this year, aims to address inconsistencies in the performances of South Africa’s national rugby teams.
Wessels has been tasked with identifying shortcomings and ensuring that all teams receive the necessary support to achieve their targets. Further appointments within the High-Performance Department are expected as SA Rugby continues its strategic overhaul.
Oberholzer expressed confidence in the capabilities of the new coaching appointments, especially in boosting the development of women’s rugby.
“We are investing in women’s rugby, not only at the national level but in the provincial structures too. With the forthcoming WXV 2 tournament and the participation in the Women’s Rugby World Cup next year, we are in a solid position to boost the growth of the game,” he said.
“The experience and expertise that Swys will bring can be expected to enhance on-field performance, and Bafana’s shift to the women’s team reflects our high regard for his coaching abilities.”
De Bruin’s return to the international coaching scene brings a wealth of experience from his previous role as an attack consultant for the Springboks and as head coach of the Emirates Lions in Vodacom Super Rugby and the Carling Currie Cup.
Foote’s experience in Australia is seen as invaluable, with Oberholzer noting, “Kevin comes highly recommended, having coached at all levels of the game after hanging up his boots. His international experience and connection to South African rugby will be crucial as we continue to develop our player pipeline from the Junior Boks to the senior ranks.”
These strategic moves underscore SA Rugby’s commitment to elevating the performance of all its national teams, aiming to emulate the sustained success of the Springboks and reinforcing South Africa’s reputation as a powerhouse in world rugby.
