Twenty-six coaches — 23 South African and three from Kenya and Zimbabwe — convene at Delsma Sports Farm in Riebeek Kasteel from 23 to 28 October for the first standalone World Rugby Level 3 course dedicated to women coaches.
The course marks a structured next step in SA Rugby's women's coaching pathway under the 'Destination 2027' strategic plan. Fourteen of the 26 participants attended the Women Coaches Transitioning Workshop held at the same venue in February, with their progression into the Level 3 environment representing the intended outcome of that earlier intervention.
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer described the programme as part of deliberate, targeted investment in identifying and advancing women coaches toward elite and high-performance environments. Ian Schwartz, SA Rugby's General Manager: Participation & Development, said the February workshop was designed specifically to prepare coaches for this moment rather than simply hoping opportunities would materialise.
"February was about preparing talented women coaches for the next step, and in the next week, they will be taking that step," said Schwartz. "When development is intentional, the pathway can work."
The group includes nine former South Africa internationals across 15s and sevens: Natasha Hofmeester, Zolisa Noxeke, Nosipho Poswa, Mathrin Simmers, Fundiswa Plaatjie, Charmaine Kayser, Nonkosi Sobandla, Jacqueline Kriel, and Namhla Siyolo.
Several have already moved into coaching roles at national level. Hofmeester and Noxeke were appointed head coaches of the SA Schools Girls teams in 2026, with Lowane and Poswa serving as assistants — the first time women held those positions. Simmers, the former Springbok Women's Sevens captain, is part of the Junior Springbok Women and Sanlam Boland Dames' coaching set-ups and guided Walker Bay Babes to the Betway Women's Club Championship title in September.