Swys de Bruin has dismissed reports that a bonus dispute with SA Rugby prompted his resignation as Springbok Women head coach, revealing instead that differences of opinion over the team's future direction were the driving force behind his decision.
"There was no money issue at all, so that is new to me," De Bruin told Rugby365 on Friday. "It was just a case of differences of opinion and interference when it came to the next step for the team."
De Bruin confirmed the resignation had been submitted to SA Rugby general manager of high performance Dave Wessels well before Thursday's announcement, and that SA Rugby president Mark Alexander had agreed to delay the news until after Saturday's Test against the Black Ferns at FNB Stadium. The coaching staff and players were informed in advance.
"From my side and SA Rugby's side, the plan was to delay it until the Bok Women's match against the Black Ferns. The coaches were aware of my resignation, and I know they would've told the players. There were no secrets."
De Bruin joined the Bok Women in 2024 as a high-performance coach before stepping up to the head coaching role ahead of the 2025 World Cup cycle. During his two-year tenure the team secured a maiden win over the Barbarians and qualified for the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time.
He was emphatic in his backing of co-coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September, who take charge against New Zealand on Saturday. The pair have remained unbeaten since assuming responsibility, winning a series in Fiji and going undefeated at the African tournament in Kenya.
"I have so much confidence in those two coaches. They are great people and great coaches. Anyone who doesn't believe me can come and watch how they coach."
De Bruin described his stint with the team as "two wonderful and blessed years" and indicated his original mandate was always to develop the next generation of coaches.