SA Rugby Bids Farewell to Swys de Bruin
After two successful years, the Springbok Women’s coach departs as co-coaches step in.
The Full Story
Swys de Bruin has announced his departure from the Springbok Women’s rugby team after two successful years as head coach. His exit has led to Franzel September and Laurian Johannes-Haupt stepping in as co-head coaches for the remainder of the season. There were claims suggesting De Bruin's departure stemmed from disputes over win bonuses with SA Rugby, but he has denied these allegations.
The President of SA Rugby, Mark Alexander, expressed gratitude for De Bruin's contributions, highlighting how he fostered a strong connection with fans and increased corporate support for women's rugby. Alexander noted that De Bruin’s innovative coaching methods significantly shaped the team's identity, stating, "Our team developed a unique style of play and an unpredictability that captured massive attention." De Bruin joined SA Rugby’s High-Performance Department in August 2024 and made an impressive impact by leading the Springbok Women in preparation for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.
Under his guidance, the Springbok Women achieved their best-ever result at a global tournament, reaching the quarter-finals before being eliminated by the Black Ferns. The team successfully broke into the top 10 of the World Rugby rankings, securing significant wins against Japan, Italy, and the USA, ranked higher than South Africa at the time. During his tenure, De Bruin led the team to 14 victories in 21 matches, including against the Black Ferns XV in Cape Town.
The Springbok Women now look ahead to a series of Tests against Wales, Italy, Spain, and Ireland in the upcoming WXV Global Series, and additional coaching support will be provided as needed. Alexander concluded with well-wishes for De Bruin, stating, "We respect his decision to move forward in his career and thank him sincerely for his contribution to the growth of women’s rugby." This event marks a significant change for the Springbok Women as they prepare for the challenges ahead without their head coach of two years. As they navigate this transition, the team is set to build upon the strong foundation established under De Bruin’s leadership, aiming for continued success on the international stage and growth in women's rugby in South Africa.
The upcoming matches in the WXV Global Series are seen as crucial for the team as they adapt to their new coaching structure and look to maintain the positive trajectory set in recent years. With strong performances anticipated, fans remain optimistic about the future of the Springbok Women’s team, hoping that the legacy left by De Bruin will inspire continued excellence in the sport. As the Springbok Women gear up for their next season, support from fans and the rugby community will be vital in driving the team's ambition forward as they aim for further success on the global stage. This transitional phase in the coaching lineup underscores the evolving landscape of women's rugby in South Africa, emphasizing the importance of nurturing talent and fostering a competitive spirit within the sport.
Why It Matters
Swys de Bruin’s leadership significantly elevated the Springbok Women’s reputation, marking a key moment in the growth of women's rugby in South Africa. His departure opens new opportunities for strategic evolution in coaching and player development.
What's Next
The Springbok Women are set to compete in the WXV Global Series against teams like Wales and Ireland, with coaching adjustments aimed at maintaining momentum and building upon past successes. More coaching support is expected to aid the transition.