In this in-depth episode of Know your Coach on Megafoon Rugby, MW Welman sits down with Griquas head coach Pieter Bergh for a wide-ranging and honest conversation ahead of the 2025 Currie Cup. This episode kicks off our brand-new series: Know Your Coach — where we speak to the head coaches of every team competing in this year’s Currie Cup. It’s about understanding not just the tactics, but the people behind South African rugby’s greatest domestic rivalry. Pieter shares his remarkable rugby journey — from playing in Wellington and cutting his teeth as an analyst at Boland, to becoming one of the sharpest tactical minds in the country. He breaks down how Griquas consistently punch above their weight, how to build a competitive team with limited resources, and why adaptability, honesty, and attention to detail are the hallmarks of his coaching. He also reflects on the modern rugby player — and the delicate balance between guiding the younger generation with empathy, while instilling old-school professionalism. From nutrition and discipline to recovery and personal connection, Pieter opens up about how coaching today is as much about mentorship as it is about systems and structures. We go deep into the 2025 Currie Cup strategy, player recruitment challenges, rivalries with the Pumas, and the power of community in Kimberley. From succession planning to lineout drills, this episode is packed with real rugby insight and a rare look into the mindset of a top-level coach. If you love rugby, coaching, or just a great story about building against the odds — this one's for you.

Frans Steyn speaks his truth! In this wide-ranging conversation, the Cheetahs’ Director of Rugby reflects on his journey from iconic Springbok player to the man trying to steer a proud franchise through the storm. He explains why chasing wins every Saturday isn’t enough, how the Cheetahs are building something bigger off the field, and why staying relevant in the South African rugby system has never been harder. Steyn reveals that the Cheetahs could potentially secure the financial backing to re-enter Super Rugby — but they need SA Rugby to support them. He breaks down the broadcasting challenges, the broken calendar, the lack of exposure for smaller unions, and why players need more game time to grow. He also shares insights from his time under coaches like Rassie Erasmus and Jake White, and weighs in on what it will take to get the Currie Cup — and South African rugby — back on track. This is one of the most honest and important rugby interviews of the year.

Welcome to the latest episode in our Know Your Coach series on Megafoon Rugby, where we explore the people driving South African rugby forward — one team, one culture, and one purpose at a time. Phiwe Nomlomo isn’t just a coach — he’s the man tasked with leading a youthful Bulls squad into battle, against fierce rivals, with a fanbase that expects nothing less than excellence. In this exclusive Megafoon Rugby interview, Phiwe opens up about the emotional pressure of coaching the Bulls, the personal journey that brought him from Border to Pretoria, and how he plans to keep the Currie Cup meaningful in a changing rugby landscape. From his playing roots at Craven Week to coaching at national school level, Phiwe shares how a few key phone calls — and a very important marriage — shaped his path to Loftus. He lays out a clear and honest coaching philosophy, rooted in authenticity, values, and deep respect for all players, regardless of age or contract. With more than half of the current squad under 21, Phiwe sees this Currie Cup not only as a platform for development but also as a serious campaign, beginning with a high-stakes clash against Western Province. He reflects on what Kennedy Tsimba brings from basketball, what he’s learned from Jake White, and why being shouted at by fans still means something: they care. This is your inside look at the new man in charge. Calm, composed — but ready for war. Don’t miss this wide-ranging and insightful conversation that offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of one of South African rugby’s emerging coaches, only on Megafoon Rugby.

In this episode of the Know Your Coach series, MW Welman sits down with Boland Cavaliers head coach Hawies Fourie — one of South African rugby’s most seasoned thinkers. From a young flyhalf in the Southern Cape to coaching stints across the country, Hawies opens up about the personal journey that led him to Wellington, his vision for Boland Rugby, and the immense pride he takes in developing young talent. They reflect on the strides made since his appointment: the introduction of pro days and longer pre-seasons, the shift in culture, and the long-term dream of winning the Currie Cup by 2027. Hawies also speaks candidly about the devastating loss of Cornell Hendricks — a former player, close friend, and inspiration to the team — and how the squad has carried that emotional legacy forward. From financial constraints and youth development to game-day strategies and inter-union collaboration, this is a deep and honest look at what it takes to build a competitive team in South Africa’s most rugged competition.

In this exclusive Know Your Coach! episode, MW Welman sits down with Swys de Bruin — the Springbok Women’s head coach — as the team enters final preparations for the 2025 Rugby World Cup. Before departing for England, the Springbok Women will face the mighty Black Ferns in a crucial warm-up clash — a final test of systems, mindset, and belief before taking on the world. Swys explains why SA Rugby is now taking women’s rugby more seriously than ever before, with the Springbok Women elevated to the second-highest national priority behind the men’s Boks. He reflects on his journey from coaching Super Rugby to mentoring coaches, and now leading a new movement in the women's game. From Canada and France to Brazil and Italy, the Springbok Women are heading into the World Cup with structure, ambition, and a plan to surprise. Swys discusses the emotional dynamics of coaching women, the rise of stars like Nadine Roos and Jakkie Cilliers, the Bulls’ role in growing the women’s game, and the urgent push for better systems, funding, and athlete development across South Africa. This isn’t just a coaching interview. It’s a powerful insight into how real change happens — one game plan, and one belief system, at a time.

In this episode of Know Your Coach, MW Welman sits down with Springbok legend and current Sharks Currie Cup head coach JP Pietersen to unpack his coaching journey, philosophy, and ambitions for the 2025 season. JP opens up about his transition from player to coach, lessons from his first year in charge, and how he’s blending youth and experience in the Sharks squad. He explains how communication with Gen Z players works in real life — from WhatsApp feedback loops to empowering young stars. The conversation dives into the real meaning of development rugby, the pressure to win the Currie Cup again, and how JP's coaching staff and player selection strategy could shape the Sharks’ identity going forward. MW and JP also reflect on what defines a successful Currie Cup season, managing player availability, and the Sharks' continued investment in local talent. If you're a fan of South African rugby or simply curious about what it takes to lead a top team in a high-performance environment, this is a must-watch.

Jimmy Stonehouse has built something remarkable in Mbombela. With limited resources, no household names, and a squad that often flies under the radar, he’s crafted a Currie Cup powerhouse that no team wants to face. In this in-depth interview with MW Welman for the Know Your Coach series, the Pumas boss opens up about the tactical philosophy, man-management, and no-nonsense culture that have turned the Pumas into South Africa’s most feared underdogs. We discuss the challenges of maintaining discipline without big egos, how he keeps players hungry in a system designed to promote talent upward, and why he still believes in the romantic potential of the Currie Cup. Jimmy also reflects on winning the SA Cup and what his goals are for the upcoming Currie Cup campaign. With honesty, intensity, and a touch of dry humour, Stonehouse gives fans a rare window into one of the sharpest rugby minds in the country — and a coach who refuses to be defined by budget or expectation.

Mziwakhe Nkosi joins MW Welman in the latest Know Your Coach to talk about building a resilient Currie Cup squad at the Fidelity ADT Lions. From coaching schoolboys like Damian Willemse to leading his team to last year’s final, Nkosi reveals what it takes to succeed with limited resources but big ambitions. He breaks down how the Lions are nurturing young talent while juggling URC player availability, why this Currie Cup might be the most competitive in years, and how he keeps players grounded and focused amid social media pressure and short-term thinking. Mziwakhe reflects on the heartbreak of last year’s final and how the Lions plan to bounce back, explains the strategy behind player integration, and opens up about the difficult but necessary honesty required to coach Generation Z. Plus: What’s it like to lose the final after the final whistle? Who are the new stars to watch? And why is Johannesburg rugby in winter an underrated weapon?

MW Welman sits down with new Western Province head coach Labeeb Levy in this powerful finale to the Know Your Coach series. Raised in Cape Town’s historic District Six, Labeeb’s journey from grassroots rugby to Currie Cup leadership is the story of a region, a culture, and a man committed to turning challenges into legacy. He reflects on Western Province's multicultural identity, the emotional significance of representing Cape Town, and the distinctive style of rugby he hopes to revive. From coaching junior teams while recovering from injury to earning elite credentials in New Zealand and Australia, Labeeb has always valued rugby’s power to unite, uplift, and educate. In this conversation, he unpacks his squad strategy, his passion for club and varsity rugby, and how he’s creating a coaching environment built on mutual respect, honesty, and adaptive learning. He speaks candidly about the realities of the Currie Cup, the need to make every campaign unforgettable, and why set pieces, skill, and soul still matter in the modern game. Whether you love Western Province or just love a good rugby story — this one’s full of heart, insight, and hope for the future.