Coaching news update – September 2025

Sep25

Northwood win the battle for Heinke

Clifton’s rugby woes deepen with news that 1st XV head coach Heinke van der Merwe is set to join Northwood as a teacher and elite coach. The former Springbok prop, also courted by Maritzburg College, has followed in his father’s footsteps in qualifying as a teacher after his pro career was up. Heinke settled in KZN to be close to his wife’s family.

To Fleck or not to Fleck?

Bishops have advertised for a new Director of Rugby, and one big talking point is whether Robbie Fleck should be in the running. It feels a bit offside that the man who helped shape the role — from the job spec to the pay package — can now apply for it. Many ODs would love to see him get the job, though. Fleckie’s heart is firmly at Bishops. He’s got the credentials, the pedigree, and crucially he understands the unique rugby culture that’s been passed down the coaching succession line. An outsider could break that chain by imposing a different playing philosophy.

Boland Landbou show cut-throat side of schoolboy rugby

Boland Landbou are bringing in Nico Breedt from Maritzburg College to replace Christoff Lotter as head of rugby. Lotter, a proven coach with a strong CV, was shown the door after just one season. BL’s ranking wasn’t bad, but conceding 37 points per game probably led decision-makers to conclude the team underachieved given their talent.

Right or wrong, it’s a call that smacks of professional sport — results or bust. It sets a precedent: perform or face the chop. That pressure risks pushing coaches to prioritise wins over player welfare, like playing boys through injuries. It serves the investors in rugby success more than it nurtures an educational environment where academics and holistic growth remain front and centre.

Craig Dwyer named St Charles Director of Rugby

Craig Dwyer will step up as Director of Rugby (DOR) while continuing as 1st XV head coach.

As part of the restructure, the Head of Rugby (Senior School) role will be phased out. Instead, a dedicated HOR will oversee the Prep School programme, creating stronger alignment from junior to senior levels.

Craig’s focus will be on the strategic direction and overall running of rugby across the College. A key target is that 60%+ of the 1st XV should be homegrown, developed through Saints’ own pathways.

The new structure provides clarity, sustainability and a long-term vision, giving Saints the best chance to build a lasting rugby legacy.

Gim coach Pieter Rossouw drafted in to assist Namibia

Paarl Gim head coach Pieter Rossouw has been called up to assist Namibia ahead of their World Cup qualifying campaign. Rossouw, who was part of Namibia’s coaching team at the 2015 World Cup, was approached after the recent African Cup, when their head coach and attack coach withdrew a week before the tournament due to work commitments. Jacques Burger, Namibia’s Director of Rugby, had to step into a coaching role.

Rossouw will be away for just three weeks in October/November, so his duties at Gim won’t be affected. Gim’s strong systems and coaching group will carry on seamlessly in his absence.

Most of Namibia’s professional players will only be released by their clubs one to two weeks before the qualifiers, which run from 8–18 November.

KES settle on 1st XV coaching team for 2026

Jabz Zulu takes charge as head coach & defence lead, his first stint at the helm after previously working with the Westville 1st XV until 2024.

He’s joined by Mashudu Rapanga (backs, promoted from U16A) and Sheldon de Robillard (forwards, retained from form head coach Marco Engelbrecht’s staff).

A fresh coaching trio to steer the Red Machine into 2026.

Eldoraigne map out rugby future

Dave du Plessis (Director) and Deon Anderson (Head of Rugby) will steer the programme until September 2026, when a permanent head is appointed.

Key plans include:

• New gym & upgraded conditioning
• Stronger C-teams for depth
• Performance analysis systems
• Structured U14 recruitment

A clear strategy to secure sustainable growth and long-term success.

Thabo Sisusa returns to Kingswood as Head of Rugby and 1st XV Coach for 2026

A familiar face, he previously served as 1st XV assistant coach (2022–2024) and brings a strong résumé across schools, universities, and representative rugby. He has a teaching background and was the Jeppe 1^st XV Assistant Coach for the 2025 season.

Other coaching credentials:

• World Rugby IRB Level 3 certified
• SARU EPD 2 (Elite Player Development) programme
• Varsity Cup Young Guns Champion coach (Wits, 2025)

Drostdy miss out on former coach Renier

Drostdy are still searching for a coach to assist Tobie Botes. They had hoped to bring back Renier de Villiers, who previously coached at Drostdy before moving to Waterkloof and then Framesby, but he has opted to stay in Gqeberha.

Botes, a former Italian international, has his plate full. Besides coaching the Donkies, he runs a commercial fruit farm (90% export), a wedding venue on the farm, and provides professional farming consultancy. He will remain as coach, but the role won’t be full-time.

Sharks U18 Craven Week coach steps down

Dusty Noble has stepped down from his role as Sharks u18 coach following what many have called a disappointing 2025 campaign. The Westville Director of Rugby’s year was one of extreme highs and lows — from Westville’s unbeaten 1st XV season and a Champion of Champions Sevens title, to the Sharks’ struggles at Craven Week. The year was further marked by a rock bottom for Noble: a red card at KES for swearing at the referee during a 1st XV game, followed by a post-match confrontation with the same official.

The Curse of the Rondebosch coaching job strikes again

It’s now Jaco Zeeman’s turn, a key figure in both rugby and cricket, to try and overcome the some drama.

Clinton van Rensburg (DoR) and Joel Carew have weathered their share of turmoil over the past few years, showing remarkable resilience and character in bouncing back.

In conclusion

Several exciting coaching roles are currently up for grabs across the country. It’s vital that those making the decisions find the right fit—someone with their heart in the right place and with the experience, character, and ability to work effectively with players, fellow coaches, and the broader school community.