Love him or hate him, there is no getting around the fact that Barry Wilson has made a huge contribution to SBR in Durban over a few decades and deserves much respect for all he’s given back to the wonderful game.
Northwood’s season-ending 5-3 victory against St Charles was Barry’s last game in charge. Although his future plans are unclear, indications are that he may hang up his coaching boots.
In the past few seasons Northwood rugby has improved and they have recorded memorable wins against Michaelhouse, DHS and Glenwood along the way.
Swys de Bruin will take over as head coach of the Northwood 1st XV. However like in the case of his predecessor, this post will not be a full-time job. De Bruin will continue in his role as the head coach at the Sharks Academy and coach at Northwood in the afternoons.
beet , more news on this would be very interesting
something seems to be going on here, who behind the scene is looking at promoting himself here , a lynching looks like
For what I’ve heard Simon Vickers the Head of Rugby is also out and Swys will perform his role on a part-time basis as well but I could be mistaken. Seems a pity to lose Simon coz he really seemed like as a hands on kind of guy with his heart in the right place.
Northwood are going to realise the old cliche’ “You dont know what you got till its gone”
anyone know whats happened to the rest of the 1st Team Management?
Barry was a good coach, but as with all things – it’s time for change. Swys will be Head Coach and will coach the 1st team as well. No conflicts with Saturdays and tours.
@Greenhopper: Swys will coach the 1st team next year. Considering that Barry also had a full-time job as the Northlands Principal, it’s a straight swap in terms of roles and responsibilities really. Except I’m not sure what will happen on Saturdays and for tours. Priorities might become an issue then.
its going to be an interesting thing , are they looking for a new 1st team coach for next year or will Swys de Bruin be the new coach going forward
@ZnCoach: Thanks. The first time I played against one of Barry’s teams was in 1983 when my school played against DPHS. I could swear he still looks the same almost 30 years later.
Also wonder what ever became of those Prep war-cries the the boys used to sing so well like “We are Prep, mighty, mighty Prep!” I guess the youngsters of today don’t like those old fashioned bellows too much.
Barry has been the Northwood head coach for 4 seasons – 2009-2012.
Barry is a legend, Beet well done on getting this blog up and running, Barry has been there and done it all in rugby, I have a feeling somewhere, we will see him pop up again.
I doubt there is a SBR coach that has the passion and ability to get a side going like he does.
Certainly one of the more animated coaches around. His tirades on the touchline are legendary and yes – he has been very invovled in primary school rugby as well as high schools and club rugby for many, many years.
Does anyone know where to from here for Barry?? He is a rugby man through and through and I can’t picture him doing anything else.
how many years has he been the coach there