The experienced Lumumba Currie has joined the SA Rugby Academy squad in Stellenbosch in his capacity as newly-appointed Junior Springbok assistant coach, providing support to Bafana Nhleko with the Under-20 forwards in the programme.
The 38-year-old Currie, a World Rugby Level 3 accredited coach, has been in charge of the University of Fort Hare since 2014, with the crowning glory when they claimed the FNB Varsity Shield last year, and he was head coach at the Border Bulldogs the last few seasons while the union was under SA Rugby administration.
Before that, he headed up the SA Rugby Academy in Border (2014-2017), and coached the union’s Under-21 (2014-2015) and Under-19 (2008-2009) teams, while also working in cricket.
“We are delighted to see Lumumba make this step-up to the junior international ranks and we are excited to see what he brings to the team in such an important season in which we host the World Rugby U20 Championship,” said Rassie Erasmus, Director of Rugby at SA Rugby.
“He boasts experience at junior and senior level, and his experience having coached at Under-19, Under-21 level as well as in the FNB Varsity Shield, where he steered the University of Fort Hare to the title last season, will be invaluable in this role with the Junior Boks.
“This is a big year for the team and the players as they return to the biggest stage in junior rugby, and with a strong coaching team in Bafana and Lumumba who have interacted with one another since 2014, we are excited to see them in action as they build toward the international spectacle.”
Nhleko said: “Lumumba has a proven track record of coaching at the highest provincial level in South Africa, with many years of experience holding the whistle for various teams, and I’m excited to welcome him into the Junior Bok fold.
“He will have big shoes to fill after Chean Roux decided to take up a position in the private sector, but Lumumba knows what it takes to succeed and has done well with younger players at Fort Hare, while he also learned a lot coaching the Bulldogs in the Currie Cup First Division.”
Currie said: “I am very honoured and grateful for the opportunity to work with Bafana and the top juniors in South Africa, and I’m excited to be part of the Junior Boks, as they are the Springboks of the near future.
“It’s an exciting time for me and my family, and I want to make sure it pays off as we are hosting the World Rugby U20 Championships in later this year, and I believe we are on the right track as we’re slowly getting into shape with the players,” added Currie.