SACS u14 coach Josh Strauss turns out for the Bulls

38-year-old former Scottish international Josh Strauss – who made his name in South African rugby with the Lions, and famously kept his beard unshaven until his girlfriend relocated to Jozi – answered an injury SOS from the Bulls’ Currie Cup squad this past weekend, coming off the bench in their match.

Whether this is a positive or negative development is up for debate, but Strauss, currently contracted to SACS where he coaches the U14A side and uses his iconic image in Grade 8 recruitment, was granted permission to miss the last five fixtures of the school season to take up a Bulls Currie Cup assistant coaching role.

The rationale behind SACS’s decision included:

1. The Bulls coaching stint offers Strauss exposure that could benefit SACS in the years to come.
2. The school has two other experienced u14A coaches to cover his absence.