women
international women
SA Rugby president Mark Alexander has described outgoing Springbok Women head coach Swys de Bruin as one of the “leading coaches in the country”.
Last week, De Bruin resigned South Africa the line-up was unexpectedly announced ahead of their biggest rival rugby encounter with the Black Ferns at Soweto’s FNB Stadium.
De Bruin first joined the union’s high performance department in August 2024 before being appointed head of Springbok Women.
During his time in charge of the team, the 66-year-old guided the Springbok Women to new heights, spearheaded by their run to the quarter-finals of the Women’s Championship. Rugby World Cup 2025 The team also ranked among the top 10 women’s rugby nations in the world for the first time.
His tenure included victories against Japan, Italy and USA Women’s Eagles. In total, De Bruin won 14 of the 21 Test matches he presided over.
Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, said: “Swys is one of the leading coaches in our country and we wish him all the best for the future. We respect his decision to move forward with his career and sincerely thank him for his contribution to the development of women’s rugby.”
Following De Bruin’s departure, SA Rugby confirmed that the 66-year-old’s former assistants, Franzel September and Laurian Johannes?Haupt, will lead the Springbok Women through their WXV Global Series campaign.
During September and October, South Africa will play Test matches against Wales, Italy, Spain and Ireland in Europe and at home.
“Our team developed a unique style of play and an unpredictability that attracted huge attention. Who will forget the 14-man line-up or setting up a maul from the scrum in that quarter-final against the Black Ferns.”
“Swys quickly caught on with fans and supporters of the women’s game and that relationship contributed to growing support for the Springbok Women. It also attracted more corporate support.”