Springbok Women’s Coach Resigns Ahead of Historic Test Against Black Ferns
By Editor • September 3, 2026 • 2 min read
In a surprising turn of events, Swys de Bruin has stepped down as head coach of the Springbok Women’s rugby team just days before their monumental match against the Black Ferns. This historic clash is set to take place on Saturday, September 5, at FNB Stadium near Soweto, marking the first time New Zealand’s national team will play a Test in South Africa.
South African Rugby (Saru) made the announcement on September 3, revealing that assistant coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September will take over as co-head coaches for the upcoming match. De Bruin did not accompany the team on its recent tours to Kenya and Fiji and was absent from training sessions leading up to the historic Test.
Reports indicate that De Bruin’s resignation stemmed from disagreements with Saru over win bonuses related to the tours. Despite the turmoil, the Springbok Women’s squad is reportedly maintaining a positive focus as they prepare for one of their toughest challenges yet.
The match not only serves as a significant milestone for the Springbok Women but also acts as a curtain-raiser for the Springboks and All Blacks' third Test in their storied rivalry. The team hopes to use this opportunity as a benchmark for their development, especially following their impressive performance under De Bruin, which took them to the knockout stages of the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
During that quarterfinal, the Springbok Women put on a spirited display against the Black Ferns, showcasing their potential. Despite losing 46-17, co-captain Ruahei Demant noted that the South African team surprised New Zealand with their innovative plays. Springbok centre Zintle Mpupha emphasized that their recent experiences will help them as they prepare for Saturday's game, focusing on physicality and fine-tuning their strengths.
However, recurring issues such as handling errors and discipline remain a concern for the Springbok Women. In their previous series against the USA Eagles, they struggled to maintain control, leading to penalties that undermined their efforts. Hooker Lindelwa Gwala acknowledged these challenges, emphasizing the need to improve under pressure as they head into this crucial match.
Despite the distractions created by De Bruin’s resignation, the Springbok Women are determined to put on a strong performance against the Black Ferns. With kick-off set for 1:30 PM, all eyes will be on this landmark encounter as the team seeks to prove their mettle on the international stage.
Source: www.dailymaverick.co.za
