Swys de Bruin: Why Women’s Rugby Is Now a Big SA Rugby Priority!

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. Read More

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• Sep 2025