Swys de Bruin has resigned as Springboks Women's head coach with immediate effect, hours before Saturday's Test against the Black Ferns at FNB Stadium — a curtain raiser to the third Greatest Rivalry match between the Boks and All Blacks.
According to Rapport, De Bruin's departure follows a dispute with SA Rugby over winning bonuses from the team's tour of Fiji and Africa, which he did not travel on but reportedly insisted on receiving payment for. He was also said to be unhappy with interference from the union. Junior Springboks assistant coach Melusi Mthethwa has been added to the women's staff in the interim.
De Bruin, appointed in August 2024, guided the Springboks Women to their first-ever Rugby World Cup knockout stage appearance and lifted the side to 10th in the World Rugby rankings. His contract had been extended through to 2029.
Rapport links De Bruin to the vacant head coaching position at Paarl Boys' High School, left open by Sean Erasmus's move to Maties. His son Neil recently departed PBHS' Director of Rugby role to join Johan Ackermann's Bulls staff. Former Bulls head coach Jake White is also said to have been approached about the Boishaai vacancy by SA Rugby vice-chairman Corné Krige.
The Springboks Women face New Zealand on Saturday before beginning their 2026 WXV campaign against Wales in Cardiff on September 18, with further Tests against Italy, Spain and Ireland to follow.