The Evolution of Leadership in the World of Rugby: A Focus on the Springboks

3 mins read
rugby leadership

The Springboks’ successful rise in Rugby can be attributed to the efforts of Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber, who led the team to unimagined heights. With Erasmus moving on to a new role as director of rugby and Nienaber joining Leinster, there are uncertainties about the future of the team. However, assistant coach Mzwandile Stick has shown remarkable growth and could be a strong candidate for the future head coach position, with Stormers coach John Dobson as a potential assistant coach. The Springboks’ legacy and victorious trajectory could very well continue under their capable hands.

Who could be the next head coach of the Springboks?

Newsletter

Stay Informed • Cape Town

Get breaking news, events, and local stories delivered to your inbox daily. All the news that matters in under 5 minutes.

Join 10,000+ readers
No spam, unsubscribe anytime

Mzwandile Stick, the current assistant coach of the South African team, shows promise as a potential future head coach. His understanding of the team’s ethos and principles, along with his professional development, make him a strong candidate. He could be supported by individuals like Stormers coach John Dobson, who would be a perfect candidate for the assistant coach role and eventually step into Stick’s shoes as the future head coach.

The Reformation Under Erasmus and Nienaber

In the sphere of Rugby, the Springboks have showcased a remarkable rise since 2018, thanks to the efforts of Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber. These two seasoned strategists have led the team to unimagined heights, with Erasmus initially taking on the role of head coach and steering the team towards their third global championship win at the 2019 spectacle in Japan.

After this successful run, Erasmus took on a new role as the director of rugby, handing over the head coach responsibilities to Nienaber. During his term, Nienaber bagged a series win over the British & Irish Lions in 2021, further elevating the Springboks’ standing in international rugby.

The Transition and Future Uncertainties

Moving on to the post 2023 World Cup period, Nienaber, after a rigorous six-year tenure with the Springboks, is geared up to join the coaching team at Ireland‘s Leinster. Simultaneously, Erasmus is prepared to reclaim his position as head coach, with his existing contract with SA Rugby stretching till 2025.

However, the future is shrouded in ambiguity. It’s unclear whether Erasmus’ engagement with the Springboks will extend till 2027, and there are rumors indicating the possibility of Nienaber’s return after the end of his contract with Leinster in June 2026.

In light of these speculations, SA Rugby is deeply engaged in discussions about succession planning and identifying potential candidates for the next head coach, especially if a change becomes necessary in the interim period leading up to the next global event.

The Potential Future of the Springboks: Mzwandile Stick

One individual who has made significant progress within the current South African setup is assistant coach Mzwandile Stick. Known for his firm beliefs and his popularity amongst the team, Stick has shown remarkable growth as a coach under the guidance of Erasmus and Nienaber. Once considered a scapegoat during Allister Coetzee’s unsuccessful term, Stick has since proven his worth, cementing his position as a valuable part of the Bok management.

Stick’s understanding of the Springboks’ ethos, principles, and subtleties, along with his professional development, makes him a strong candidate for the future head coach position. His elevation would represent not just strategic foresight but also recognition for his unwavering commitment and significant contributions.

His potential support network could comprise individuals like Stormers coach John Dobson, a perfect candidate for the assistant coach role who could eventually step into Stick’s shoes as the future Springbok coach.

As we gaze into the future, the Springboks can be reassured that their hunt for the next head coach wouldn’t require a far-fetched search. Their legacy and the continuation of their victorious trajectory could very well lie in the capable hands of individuals like Stick who have been nurtured within their own coaching realms.

As the Springboks advance into a new phase, they are poised to maintain their successful streak, carrying forward the legacy of Erasmus and Nienaber under the potential guidance of Mzwandile Stick.

What were the roles of Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber in the Springboks’ successful rise?

Rassie Erasmus initially served as the head coach of the Springboks and later took on the role of director of rugby. Jacques Nienaber took over as head coach and led the team to a series win over the British & Irish Lions in 2021.

Where is Jacques Nienaber heading after his tenure with the Springboks?

Jacques Nienaber is set to join the coaching team at Ireland’s Leinster after his six-year tenure with the Springboks.

Who is the potential future head coach of the Springboks?

Mzwandile Stick, the current assistant coach of the South African team, shows promise as a potential future head coach. He could be supported by individuals like Stormers coach John Dobson, who would be a perfect candidate for the assistant coach role and eventually step into Stick’s shoes as the future head coach.

Is there uncertainty about the future of the Springboks’ coaching staff?

Yes, there are uncertainties about the future of the coaching staff, particularly in the interim period leading up to the next global event, and SA Rugby is engaged in discussions about succession planning and identifying potential candidates for the next head coach.

Could the Springboks’ legacy and victorious trajectory continue under the guidance of Mzwandile Stick?

Yes, Mzwandile Stick’s understanding of the Springboks’ ethos, principles, and subtleties, along with his professional development, makes him a strong candidate for the future head coach position. With individuals like Stormers coach John Dobson as a potential assistant coach, the Springboks’ legacy and victorious trajectory could very well continue under their capable hands.

Aiden Abrahams is a Cape Town-based journalist who chronicles the city’s shifting political landscape for the Weekend Argus and Daily Maverick. Whether tracking parliamentary debates or tracing the legacy of District Six through his family’s own displacement, he roots every story in the voices that braid the Peninsula’s many cultures. Off deadline you’ll find him pacing the Sea Point promenade, debating Kaapse klopse rhythms with anyone who’ll listen.

Previous Story

A Tale of Shared Grief and the Pursuit of Justice

Next Story

A Comprehensive Review of Urgent Repair at the Voëlvlei Water Pipeline

Latest from Blog

A Teenager in a White Coat: How One Student Shattered South Africa’s Medical Age Record

{“summary”: “Imagine a whiz kid, David Obagbuwa, who started high school at 11 and became a doctor at just 21! He shattered South Africa’s medical age record, proving that a sharp mind and hard work can achieve amazing things. From classrooms in KwaZuluNatal to intense medical studies, David tackled every challenge. Even during lockdown, he quickly mastered his courses. Now, he’s ready to help people, showing that big dreams can come true, no matter how young you are.”}

Martian Dust, Carbon ankles & a R4-million Promise: Inside the 2026 Cape Epic’s Mobility Rebellion

Get ready for the 2026 Cape Epic, but this isn’t just any bike race! Three special teams, using amazing robotic legs and carbon ankles, will tackle the tough trails. They’re racing to raise R4 million to buy 200 new prosthetic limbs, 150 wheelchairs, and 50 sports blades for people in South Africa who need them. Every pedal stroke helps someone gain freedom and move again, showing that movement is for everyone, not just a few. This epic journey turns sweat into hope, changing lives one kilometer at a time.

Cape Town’s Shadow State: How Extortion Became the New Township Taxman

Cape Town has a big problem: bad guys are shaking down businesses and projects for money. They act like “taxmen” in townships, making building costs shoot up and forcing small shops to close. These criminals cause fear, stop important work, and even kill people who get in their way. It’s like a shadow government taking over, making life hard for everyone and costing the city tons of money. People are scared, and it’s unclear how this dangerous situation will ever truly end.

The Woman Who Taught Cape Town to Breathe Under Fire

Arlene Wehr taught Cape Town how to fight fires like a boss! She was one of the first women firefighters and totally changed the game. Arlene created cool new ways to find water, like “Operation Liquid Grid,” and made sure everyone had a chance to become a firefighter, even women. Because of her, Cape Town is safer, and the fire department is much more welcoming to all.

Morea House: Where the Atlantic Meets Art, Granite and Ghost-Nets

Morea House is Cape Town’s first fancy Marriott hotel, born from an old 1960s building. It shines with blushpink walls and art made from old fishing nets, making it feel truly special. This hotel is all about local beauty, from its design to its food, and even how it saves the planet. Imagine rooftop pools, unique spa experiences, and rooms where you wake up to amazing views. It’s a place where every detail tells a story of the ocean and the land, making your stay unforgettable.