Reinhard Gerber Appointed as New Monnas Rugby Head

Monument High School (Monnas) old boy Reinhard Gerber has two final commitments at his current coaching role with Sports Club Frankfurt 1880 in Germany before he returns to South Africa to take charge at Monnas in Krugersdorp after 23 November 2024.

Gerber, an experienced coach and former professional rugby player, was a versatile sportsman during his school days. As a student at Monnas, he played both flyhalf and fullback, joining the ranks of Witbulle fortunate to be coached by the legendary Hans Coetzee. His Monnas coaches included fellow alumnus Botter Lourens, now head coach of local Krugersdorp and Noordvaal Cup rivals, Noordheuwel. Beyond rugby, Gerber excelled at cricket as a brilliant bowler who earned provincial colours, and was also a strong competitor in the 400m hurdles during athletics season.

Throughout his career, Gerber has worked alongside esteemed rugby coaches, including the highly regarded Jacobs-twins, Niell and Ruan from Affies, whom he mentored at Stirling High in East London. Later, the trio moved to Glenwood in Durban, where Gerber held the position of Director of Sport. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he took up a coaching position in Germany but later returned to South Africa to lead Ben Vorster, a Limpopo school that consistently performs well in rugby despite limited financial resources and challenging travel requirements compared to other Noordvaal high schools. Although he made progress at Ben Vorster most particularly with rebuilding depth after they lost a number of promising players, his German wife’s unhappiness with their situation eventually prompted his return to Europe for family reasons.

In Germany, Gerber was grateful for the coaching opportunity at Sports Club Frankfurt 1880, which he described as a chance to step out of his comfort zone. He embraced the challenges, particularly the language barrier, and admired the German attention to detail, very clear communication, respect, and discipline. This experience allowed him to grow as both a person and a coach. It also afforded him the chance to travel to Belgium, the Netherlands and France for club games, and to connect with coaches from around the world. He worked with a talented group of players from all corners of the globe, including several South Africans like Grey High’s Daniel and Leo Wolf.

Returning to Monnas, Gerber views it as a school steeped in rugby tradition and is eager to re-establish its strong culture and identity. He speaks highly of Hans Coetzee’s legacy, which he hopes to build upon. In Gerber’s day, Monnas was renowned for its dynamic transition play and ability to quickly move the ball into space and keep it in play—an approach he aims to revive.

With former Springbok tighthead Jannie du Plessis appointed as Monument’s Head of Coaching, the Witbulle’s set pieces are bound to be strong. “Doctor Jannie” is expected to continue his medical practice in the mornings and work at Monnas in the afternoons, bringing valuable expertise to the team.