Springbok Women Target World Cup Medal Despite Coaching Change

The Springbok Women’s national rugby team is targeting a medal at the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England, despite a recent coaching change just days before their match against the Black Ferns.

Caretaker coach Franzel September, stepping in after Swys de Bruin’s sudden resignation, stated that the team’s focus remains on performance, not on the upheaval.

Head Coach Departs Ahead of Black Ferns Clash

Swys de Bruin, the team's former head coach, resigned abruptly, reportedly due to a dispute over win bonuses. His departure was confirmed by SA Rugby, leaving September and Laurian Johannes-Haupt to take over assistant roles Planet Rugby reported.

De Bruin had previously expressed high hopes for the team, predicting a World Cup victory in the near future and stating that "the sky is the limit" for the Springbok Women.

Maintaining Focus Amidst Challenges

Facing the Black Ferns, the current world number two team and six-time world champions, presents a significant challenge. The two teams last met at the World Cup 12 months ago, where the Black Ferns overcame a first-half scare to win their quarter-final.

September emphasized the importance of staying focused despite the timing of the coaching change. “We are here for rugby. Let the main thing stay the main thing,” he told Planet Rugby on Friday. He noted that the team would address the coaching situation after the match, prioritizing the immediate task.

The caretaker coach underscored that professional athletes must adapt to challenges, viewing the situation as preparation for potential in-tournament disruptions. He stated, “The South African jersey needs to be represented, that’s what’s expected of us.”

Aiming for 2025 Success

The team’s immediate goal, as articulated by September, is to perform strongly against the Black Ferns, an encounter serving as a warm-up for a men's international at FNB Stadium. He highlighted the growth of women’s rugby in South Africa and affirmed, “definitely a medal at the next World Cup is our target.”

This match, played at a sold-out FNB Stadium, represents a significant platform for the team, showcasing the sport to young women across the country. Our world rugby coverage includes details on the growth of the sport globally world rugby coverage, where teams like the Black Ferns are prominent. The success of teams such as the Black Ferns in both XVs and Sevens underscores the rising standards in women's rugby.