New crop of coaches highlights SA Rugby's commitment to women's rugby

NEWS: Four women were amongst a delegation of 28 coaches from across Africa who successfully completed World Rugby’s Level 3 coaching course, facilitated by SA Rugby in Cape Town this week.

The successful completion of the course, under the auspices of SA Rugby’s Participation and Development Department, is a key milestone in the governing body’s strategic initiative to significantly increase the number of World Rugby Level 3-qualified coaches in South Africa, with a particular focus on empowering women coaches.

The involvement of the four women coaches, Mandisa Williams, Zenay Jordaan, Laurian Johannes-Haupt, and Nonkosi Sobandla – all of whom have been part of Springbok Women’s squads in their playing days – represents a major step forward for gender inclusivity in coaching in South Africa.

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“We are incredibly proud of the dedication and commitment shown by all of the attendees on the course, but especially by these four women coaches,” said Ian Schwartz, General Manager: Participation and Development.

“Their participation underlines SA Rugby’s commitment to empowering women in rugby and fostering a more diverse and inclusive coaching landscape.”

The course also attracted a wide array of experienced coaches, including current provincial, Varsity Cup, African Rainbow Community Gold Cup coaches and former international and provincial players, such as Mziwakhe Nkosi, JP Pietersen, Philip Lemmer, Dumisani Mhani, Alshaun Bock, Edgar Marutlulle and Brendell Brandt.

“This diversity highlights the various pathways available to rugby players post-playing careers and stresses the importance of investing in coaching expertise,” said Schwartz.

“The quality of coaches attending this workshop is truly inspiring. It demonstrates the depth of talent within our rugby community and reinforces our commitment to developing world-class coaches who will drive the sport forward.

“SA Rugby’s Senior Manager: Training and Education, Hilton Adonis, and his team were instrumental in organising and delivering this impactful course. Their dedication and professionalism ensured that all attendees received top-tier training,” added Schwartz.

Adonis said: “This course is a critical step in building a legacy of skilled and knowledgeable coaches who can lead rugby into a new era. Through collaboration and strategic development, we are laying the groundwork for a thriving rugby landscape in South Africa and beyond.”

In a significant show of regional solidarity, the course welcomed 10 coaches from Kenya, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Zambia, and Namibia. This collaboration with Rugby Africa reflects SA Rugby’s commitment to fostering coaching expertise across the continent.

Among the participants was former Test flank Jacques Burger, Namibia’s newly appointed Director of Rugby, adding further prestige to the event.

The ultimate goal of the World Rugby Level 3 coaching course is to equip coaches with advanced skills and knowledge to elevate the standard of rugby in South Africa and throughout Africa. By investing in the development of top-tier coaches, SA Rugby is creating a sustainable pipeline of talent, ensuring the continued growth and success of rugby at all levels.

World Rugby Level 3 coaching course attendees: Edgar Marutlulle, Zenay Jordaan, Alshaun Bock, Thembani Mkokheli, Nonkosi Sobandla, Dumisani Mhani, Mandisa Williams, Darren Colby, Mziwakhe Nkosi, Timmy Goodwin, Brendell Brandt, JP Pietersen, Philip Lemmer, Thato Ngoza, Ricardo Beukes, Thabo Mamojele, Alastair Theys, Laurian Johannes-Haupt, Fred Mudola, Leonard Lubambala, Hauta Veii, Johan Zaayman, Jacques Burger, Simon Jawichre, Tom Chaloba, Frank Chansa, Derek Chiwara, Tawanda Shamu.