Bok role won't disrupt Swys' unfinished business
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Zacharia ‘Swys’ de Bruin has set his sights on taking the Lions from consistent Super Rugby finalists to champions.
In the wake of his recent contract extension, which sees him stay at the Lions until at least 2021, the coach vowed to bring a title to Johannesburg.
De Bruin was the backline and attack coach of the Lions team who made the Super Rugby final in 2016 and 2017.
The 59-year-old took up the role as head coach after Johan Ackermann’s departure to Premiership side Gloucester at the end of the 2017 campaign. In his first year at the realm, De Bruin guided the side to their third successive final.
However, just like his predecessor, his troops failed at the last hurdle – leaving the Lions as runners-up for three years in a row.
After a shaky start this season including defeats to Stormers and Bulls, De Bruin’s men have readjusted and find themselves as one the contenders for the title. The Lions are currently top of the South African conference and third on the overall table with 18 points from six matches.
Speaking to reporters at the Lions team announcement in Johannesburg on Tuesday, De Bruin revealed that he has decided to extend his contract at the Lions with one goal mind.
The coach want to lift the Super Rugby trophy.
“It’s a great opportunity and honour to signed for another two years,” De Bruin said, adding: “I think the trust they have in me is tremendous and with the right experienced guys the future looks good,”
RELATED: DYANTYI MOVES TO MIDFIELD FOR SHARKS CLASH
The coach also revealed that there were loads of offers however his love for the Lions and passion to bring silverware to the franchise was the deciding factor.
“There’s been opportunities – its a big world out there. However, after big consideration with my family and everyone and my agent, we came to the conclusion that it’s the right thing to stay.
“I think we haven’t finished what we started.
“Having said that, it’s not only about the cup. It is about reaching maximum potential in this team. We are not there yet. We are striving to get there. It looks very promising I must say‚” the coach explained.
De Bruin is also the backline and attack coach of the Springboks and he pointed out that his role with the national team will not effect his duties at the Lions.
“With the Springboks Rassie (Springbok coach Johan Erasmus) wants me to do the attack – that’s after Super Rugby (July) and I had one day I had to spend with them when we had an alignment camp and that was on our off week.
“But I am focussed one hundred percent on my job at hand at the Lions. When that’s finished we will have two and a half months where there will be one or two camps and then there will be games and that’s Rassie’s policy.
“There’s no interference at this stage. He wants us to focus on what the franchises are doing,” commented De Bruin.
The Lions host the Sharks on Friday.
By Josh Isaacson
@isaacson_j
@rugby365com.
