Swys de Bruin has stepped down as head coach of the Springbok Women at the end of August 2026, bringing to a close a two-year tenure that delivered the team's most successful period on the international stage. SA Rugby President Mark Alexander confirmed the departure on Thursday, extending his gratitude to a coach who transformed the visibility and competitive standing of the women's programme.
De Bruin joined SA Rugby's High-Performance Department in August 2024 and quickly transitioned into leading the Springbok Women's coaching group ahead of the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup in England. Under his guidance, the side reached the quarter-finals of that tournament—their best-ever result at a global showpiece—before falling to the Black Ferns. The campaign also saw South Africa break into the top 10 of the World Rugby rankings for the first time.
The former Lions mentor compiled a record of 14 wins from 21 matches, with memorable victories over Japan, Italy and the USA—all of whom were ranked higher than South Africa at the time. The Springbok Women also recorded wins against the Barbarians Women and the Black Ferns XV in Cape Town, underlining the progress made during De Bruin's tenure.
Innovative approach leaves lasting imprint
Alexander highlighted De Bruin's tactical ingenuity as a defining feature of his time in charge, noting that the team developed a distinctive style that attracted significant attention. The 14-player lineout and the decision to set up a maul from a scrum during the World Cup quarter-final against the Black Ferns became signature moments of an unpredictable approach that resonated with supporters.
"Swys quickly endeared himself to fans and supporters of the women's game and that connection contributed to the growing support behind the Springbok Women. It also attracted greater corporate backing," Alexander said. He added that De Bruin's ability to convey his knowledge extended beyond the playing group, benefiting coaches within SA Rugby's High-Performance structures in his original mentoring role.
The departure leaves a vacancy at the helm of a programme that has made significant strides in recent seasons. De Bruin's successor will inherit a squad that has established itself among the world's leading nations and a platform built on the principles introduced during a transformative two-year cycle. The challenge now is to sustain that momentum as the Springbok Women look to consolidate their place in the top tier of international rugby.