An Exciting New Phase for the Springboks: A Look at the Changes in the Coaching Team

3 mins read
rugby coaching changes

The Springboks are experiencing significant changes in their coaching team, with head coach Jacques Nienaber and assistant coach Felix Jones leaving. Speculation suggests that Rassie Erasmus might take over as head coach. Duane Vermeulen is expected to fill Nienaber’s vacant position as defence coach, while Mzwandile Stick could take Jones’ place. The team’s stability remains strong, with four major coaching staff members committing to four-year contract extensions. The Springboks are poised to tackle this new chapter with their unwavering love for the game.

An Exciting New Phase for the Springboks: A Look at the Changes in the Coaching Team. The Springboks are experiencing significant changes in their coaching team, with head coach Jacques Nienaber and assistant coach Felix Jones leaving. Speculation suggests that Rassie Erasmus might take over as the head coach. Duane Vermeulen is expected to fill Nienaber’s vacant position as defence coach, while Mzwandile Stick could take Jones’ place. The team’s stability remains strong, with four major coaching staff members committing to four-year contract extensions. The Springboks are poised to tackle this new chapter with their unwavering love for the game.

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

The world of rugby is about to embark on a thrilling new phase, with the Springboks – South Africa’s national team – experiencing significant changes in their coaching team. The aftermath of the 2023 Rugby World Cup has led to a monumental shift within the team’s coaching structure, offering an exhilarating challenge for both the team players and their passionate fan base.

Coaching Changes and New Opportunities

Jacques Nienaber, who formerly held the position of head coach, along with assistant coach Felix Jones, have chosen to explore fresh avenues. Nienaber has found a new home with Leinster, while Jones has relocated to England. Their decision to leave the Springboks marks a significant turning point in the team’s dynamics, leaving a noticeable gap that will surely impact the atmosphere within the locker room.

Following their exit, speculation is buzzing that Rassie Erasmus, a titan of the sport and a familiar figure within the Springboks, might step up as the head coach. This idea, though unconfirmed, has generated waves of excitement and anticipation throughout the rugby community. Erasmus, a previous leader of the team, might be summoned once more to guide the Springboks towards future victories.

Coaching Roles and Expected Successors

Another significant effect of Nienaber’s departure is the vacant position of the team’s defence coach, a role that he previously occupied. Word on the rugby grapevine points to Duane Vermeulen, a Bok legend, as the likely inheritor of this crucial role. Vermeulen’s potential appointment speaks volumes about his stellar reputation and his deep understanding of the sport, highlighting his readiness to step up to the plate.

In the midst of these transitions, the search for Jones’ successor is underway, with a fresh face expected to enter the fold. Nonetheless, there are whispers that this gap might be filled from within the team, with Mzwandile Stick appearing as a potential candidate.

Stability Amid Changes

While the team is experiencing a period of change, there exists a reassuring sense of constancy. Four major members of the coaching staff – Stick, Davids, Edwards, and Human – have recently committed to four-year contract extensions. Their dedication to the team until the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia promises continuity, an essential element in these transitional times.

Rassie Erasmus remains a trusted pillar for the team. His term as the SA Rugby Director of Rugby has been extended until the end of the 2025 season, offering a sense of security and assurance to the team and its loyal fans.

Looking Forward: The Springboks’ Future

Rian Oberholzer, the CEO of SA Rugby, voiced his satisfaction at the contract extensions, displaying confidence in the persistence of the coaching staff. He further recognized the vital planning required to secure a successor for the head coaching role, seemingly alongside the ongoing changes.

The future holds a period of recalibration for the Springboks. Adapting to the new changes and integrating new members into the coaching team will offer an exciting challenge. It’s a fresh start, a unique opportunity to gauge the resilience of the team and its coaching staff. As this new chapter commences, the Springboks are prepared to tackle it bravely, bolstered by their indomitable spirit and unwavering love for the game. As the saying goes, the only constant in life is change. The Springboks’ ability to navigate these changes while maintaining their core values will surely continue to make them a formidable force in the world of rugby.

1. What changes are happening in the Springboks’ coaching team?

The Springboks are experiencing significant changes in their coaching team, with head coach Jacques Nienaber and assistant coach Felix Jones leaving.

2. Who might take over as head coach?

There is speculation that Rassie Erasmus might take over as head coach, although this has not been confirmed.

3. Who is expected to fill the vacant position of defence coach?

Duane Vermeulen, a Bok legend, is expected to fill the vacant position of defence coach.

4. Who is expected to take Jones’ place as assistant coach?

While the search for Jones’ successor is underway, Mzwandile Stick appears as a potential candidate.

5. Is there any stability in the coaching team amid changes?

There exists a reassuring sense of constancy as four major members of the coaching staff committed to four-year contract extensions.

6. What does the future hold for the Springboks?

The future holds a period of recalibration for the Springboks, adapting to the new changes and integrating new members into the coaching team. They are prepared to tackle this new chapter with their indomitable spirit and unwavering love for the game.

Previous Story

Embracing Digital Transformation in City Services

Next Story

Johann Rupert’s Insights into BEE and Investment Climate in South Africa

Latest from Blog

Forging a Path to Enhanced Executive Oversight

South Africa is making big changes to keep a close eye on its top leaders! They made a new special committee in their parliament to watch the President. This committee will make sure the President and their office are doing things right and spending money wisely. They looked at how other countries do this to learn the best ways. This means more openness and trust, making sure everyone in power is held accountable to the people.

Cape Town’s Unmissable Weekend of Sporting Action

Cape Town is bursting with sports action from December 5th to 7th, 2025! You can cheer for the Proteas Women’s cricket team at Newlands against Ireland. Then, get ready for super exciting rugby sevens at DHL Stadium with the SVNS Cape Town tournament. And don’t miss Cape Town City FC playing football at Athlone Stadium. It’s a weekend full of thrills and fun for everyone!

South Africa Shines on the Global Cheese Stage

South African cheesemakers dazzled at the 2025 World Cheese Awards in Switzerland! They won many shiny medals, including two top Super Gold awards for Klein River Cheese’s Babylonstoren Parmesan and Dalewood Fromage’s Boland cheese. Nellie Fischer was even named the Best Female Cheesemaker. This big win makes South Africa super proud and shows their amazing cheese is now famous all over the world!

Renewing the Mozambique-South Africa Partnership: Highlights from the 4th Bi-National Commission

Mozambique and South Africa just held their 4th big meeting, the BiNational Commission, in Maputo. Their leaders, Presidents Ramaphosa and Chapo, met to make their countries even closer friends. They talked about important things like making their economies stronger, keeping everyone safe, and helping people thrive. This meeting helps them work together on many projects, from big gas plants to fighting sickness, making life better for everyone in both countries.

Deepening South Africa-Mozambique Ties: Progress and Prospects from the Fourth Bi-National Commission

South Africa and Mozambique are like old friends, working together to make things better. They talk a lot about how to help each other, especially with money, jobs, and safety. They remember their shared past of fighting for freedom, which makes their bond super strong. Now, they’re building roads, sharing power, and helping each other stay healthy and safe. This teamwork helps both countries grow and makes the whole neighborhood stronger.