Springboks Women’s boss resigns on the eve of Blacks Ferns clash amid SA Rugby dispute – report
Swys de Bruin and an inset of the Springboks Womens players
Springboks Women’s head coach Swys de Bruin has reportedly resigned with immediate effect amid a row with SA Rugby.
The respected coach, who guided the team to their first-ever Rugby World Cup knockout match last year, had his contract extended through to 2029 but has stepped down and won’t be in charge ahead of their clash with the Black Ferns at the FNB Stadium in Soweto this weekend.
The Springboks Women’s team will face the New Zealand Black Ferns as a curtain raiser to the third Greatest Rivalry Test match between the Boks and All Blacks at the 90,000-odd-seater stadium in Johannesburg.
Swys de Bruin quits
But according to a report by the Afrikaans publication, Rapport, they will do so without De Bruin, who resigned from his position following a dispute over winning bonuses.
The report states that the former Lions head coach insisted that he receive payment for the team’s success on tour of Fiji and Africa despite not travelling with the squad. He was also dissatisfied with alleged interference from the union. Junior Springboks assistant coach Melusi Mthethwa has since been added to the women’s team’s staff following De Bruin’s decision.
As a respected figure in South African rugby circles, De Bruin would not be short on offers, and according to Rapport’s sources, he already has an opportunity lined up with Paarl Boys’ High School.
Boishaai is in the market for a new coach following the departure of Sean Erasmus, who has been appointed to replace former Springbok forward Kabamba Floors at Maties (University of Stellenbosch). De Bruin’s son Neil also left his role as PBHS’ Director of Rugby in order to join Johan Ackermann’s staff at the Bulls.
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It is reported that former Bulls head coach Jake White is another person with whom ex-Springboks captain Corne Krige – who is the governing body’s vice-chairman – had a conversation about the vacancy.
De Bruin’s departure will undoubtedly be a massive blow to the Springboks Women, considering his success with the team since his appointment in August 2024. Not only did the side reach the knockout stages of the World Cup last year, but they have also climbed to 10th in the World Rugby rankings.
Following the one-off Test against New Zealand, South Africa begin their 2026 WXV campaign with a meeting against Wales on September 18 in Cardiff, which will be followed by Tests against Italy, Spain and two games against Ireland.