SA Rugby will launch a national coaching forum aimed at strengthening communication and collaboration between the Springbok coaching staff and coaches at franchise and provincial levels.
The move was confirmed on Wednesday by SA Rugby president Mark Alexander, who said the forum would formalise and expand the interaction that already exists between national and domestic coaches.
At present, SA Rugby works closely with franchise and union coaching teams around the management of Players of National Interest (Poni), whose salaries are partly funded by the governing body. The new forum, Alexander explained, will provide a structured platform to build on those relationships.
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SA Rugby has already supported the Bok coaching team in assisting the Bulls and other unions when requested, offering guidance, acting as a sounding board and sharing ideas.
“We believe this kind of collaboration should be the norm in South African rugby,” Alexander said. “The Springbok coaching staff and our member unions must work together, sharing ideas and expertise to strengthen the playing of the game across all levels. This process is well established in many progressive rugby nations, where collective delivery ensures both excellence and sustainability.”
Alexander stressed that the initiative is not about imposing a single playing philosophy across South African rugby.
He said several unions have previously asked for support from the Springbok coaches to help address specific coaching gaps, and that the current involvement with the Bulls follows that same approach.
“Collaboration is about support and shared learning, not uniformity. It is about elevating standards while respecting the autonomy of each union,” he said.
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SA Rugby is targeting the new year to formally establish the national coaching forum, which will bring together national and domestic coaches to share best practices, align where appropriate, and reinforce the values and identity of South African rugby.
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