06 November 2026
Former Springboks Jongi Nokwe and Keegan Daniel, as well as several retired provincial players, are among 48 coaches from South Africa and two from Zimbabwe who have been invited to take part in World Rugby Level 3 coaching courses in Pretoria and Cape Town in November.
SA Rugby is accelerating its efforts to deliver globally qualified coaches to the growing rugby community in the country, having last month successfully concluded its first standalone World Rugby Level 3 course dedicated to women coaches.
“We have a responsibility to create meaningful development opportunities for our coaches,” said Ian Schwartz, General Manager of SA Rugby’s Participation & Development Department, which is responsible for coaching development.
“World Rugby Level 3 represents an important step at the higher end of the coaching pathway, and investing in coaches at this level strengthens the knowledge, leadership and quality of coaching across our game.
“The growth over the last few years in South African rugby, from grassroots level up, has been amazing and we need to ensure we have enough coaches across all levels of the game, which is why these coaching qualifications are crucial.”
Hilton Adonis, SA Rugby’s Senior Manager for Training and Education and one of the facilitators, explained that all areas of the game will be covered.
“The attendees will be guided to develop periodized season plans, coaching diaries, and will be required to achieve satisfactory performance reviews at coaching sessions and match observations in their own team environments,” said Adonis.
“Some of the topics covered will include game and player analysis, player profiling and team selection; patterns of play, developing game plans and tactics, player welfare considerations, designing training sessions, and managing coaching teams.”
World Rugby Level 3 course attendees:
North: Jacques van Rooyen, Dewey Swartbooi, Allen Soutter, Braam Pretorius (all Blue Bulls); Cameron Keenan Malan, Chase Morison, Ian Joubert, Adolf Swiegers (all Free State); RJ Liebenberg, Njabulo Zulu, Wynand Ellis (all Golden Lions); Frans Crous (Griffons); Heinrich Stride, Josef Molale (both Griquas); Siya Mdaka (Leopards); Corstiaan Vermaak, Ian van Heerden (both Limpopo); Ruwellyn Isbell, Jaun Pieterse, Sbusiso Ngomane, Jacques Momberg (all Pumas); Elvandre Maart, Dewald Pieterse (both Valke); Ruben Kumpasa, Gavin Tendai Nyawata (both Zimbabwe).
South: Marlyn Williams, Andrew Beerwinkel, Jacquin Jansen, Andre Pekeur (all Boland); Onke Dubase, Tyrone Rankin, Phumali Blaauw (all Border); David Maidza, Shaun Olivier, Athenkosi Mayinje (all Eastern Province); Alvero Baartman (Griquas); Jacques Deen, Mzamo Majola, Luvuyiso Lusaseni, Lubabalo Mtembu, Keegan Daniel (all Sharks); Adriaan Jansen, Johan Erasmus, Aschin Klein (all SWD); Jongi Nokwe, Reginald Nutt, Warren Petersen, Ashley Wells, Curtis Beukes (all Western Province); Irvin van Wyk (SADF).