Highly rated Kingswood and South Africa u18 head coach James Winstanley is set to join the Bulls in an newly created role. Exciting changes are underway at Loftus. James has been appointed as the Pathway Manager of the Junior Section and Assistant Coach of the Currie Cup team at the Bulls.
The purpose of the new position is to strengthen the alignment between the junior structures and the senior programme. A key focus will be on enhancing the systems within the junior section to ensure a more seamless progression for players through the ranks.
Another standout out former school coach Wessel du Plessis (Grey College) has brought outstanding coaching ability and is widely respected for his talent identification and recruitment at the Bulls. He and James as new Pathway Manager will have a strong working relationship, which will be crucial in driving the continued development and success of the pathway system.
As part of this transition, there will be a change in leadership within the SA U18 setup, with fresh energy and new voices stepping into that space.
At Kingswood, Nick Tisdale and Devon Barnard will coach the 1st XV for the remainder of the season. The post of Head of Rugby will be advised for a successful candidate to start in 2026. With Kingswood having a decent budget for rugby and enjoying a much higher national profile in recent seasons, this will be quite a lucrative position for an aspiring rugby coach.
@Kaya 85 (Comment #6)
I don’t think there’s anyone at KC that’s bitter about JW moving on (at least all the folk I’ve spoken to at the school). It’s in fact the opposite, everyone’s quite proud that he’s gone on to higher honours…
Can’t help to appreciate the irony…Kingswood’s coach gets poached and recruited in the middle of the season, and they have to make a plan for interim coaches…no notice, no ceremony, no mutual respect. How does it feel Kingswood? This is exactly what you have been doing to all your traditional rivals.
GREAT OPPORTUNITY ALTHOUGH MAKHANDA
What will they go for is the question for me?
I still dont quite feel that KW is a national name.
Do they go local for a respected coach within EC? Do they want/need a big name? Or is there perhaps a joker out there in need of a change?
Who dare guessing who it might be. KW have time in their favour for sure.
Onwards and upwards!!!COngratulations Jimbo!GIve it horns bud
@Crashball (Comment #1)
Agree with you there, it’s in a terrible state and getting worse. The town/city where a school is located, I would imagine, must be a big factor in attracting teaching talent. Makhanda falls waaaaay short here unfortunately.
I somehow don’t think they’ll have a problem attracting a high profile candidate. Kingswood itself has an exquisite campus and with them being in the national conversation these days, I think they’ll find someone with an exceptional resume to take the reins. Very interested to see who ends up filling it.
BUT IT'S MAKHANDA