South African rugby has long thrived on controlled collisions, but the latest flashpoint off the field has prompted SA Rugby to tighten its huddle rather than let cracks widen.
The decision to establish a national coaching forum is a structured response to growing noise around collaboration, timing and transparency sparked most visibly by Springbok coaching input at the
SA Rugby president Mark Alexander confirmed the forum will be launched in the new year, designed to formalise communication between national coaches and franchise and provincial unions.
Until now, engagement has largely centred on Players of National Interest (PONI) and scheduling. The new platform, Alexander said, will widen that channel into a permanent passing lane rather than an ad-hoc offload.
“We believe this kind of collaboration should be the norm in South African rugby,” Alexander said.
“The Springbok coaching staff and our member unions must work together, sharing ideas and expertise to strengthen the playing of the game across all levels.”
The timing is no coincidence. SA Rugby’s decision to deploy Bok assistants Felix Jones, Jerry Flannery, Mobi-Unit coach Duane Vermeulen and performance boss Andy Edwards to assist a struggling Bulls outfit before a high-profile north-south derby raised eyebrows in Cape Town. Stormers defence coach Norman Laker admitted the move surprised him.
“It was quite interesting for me to see that, in such a big week, they’re bringing the Springbok coaches in to help the Bulls,” Laker said.
“Normally, the national coaches don’t really help teams when there are derbies involved. That’s always been the case.”
Laker stressed he wasn’t questioning legality, but precedent. “Felix has helped us before, Daan has come in to help with scrummaging, but never ahead of a local derby.”
Asked about fairness, he added:
“I can’t say if it’s a fair or unfair advantage. I just find it interesting.”
Despite the subplot, Laker insisted the Stormers’ focus remained internal.
“It doesn’t matter who coaches the team this week. A north-south derby is a game where players don’t need motivation.”
Veteran scrumhalf Cobus Reinach echoed that edge:
“It’s going to be physical, it’s going to be intense, and it’s about who fronts up on the day.”
Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann, meanwhile, moved quickly to clear the air, denying claims that Bok coaches were embedded during derby week.
“I never asked for that, and Rassie also said it wouldn’t be ideal,” Ackermann said. “The thought that they would be in camp this week is ridiculous.”
Frustrated by speculation, Ackermann explained his actual request. “I assessed everything and wanted a fresh pair of eyes to look at our defensive structures and bounce ideas off.”
He confirmed he contacted senior coach Johan Erasmus, saying:
“I don’t expect the Bok coaches to put a plan together on how to win, that is my job as head coach.”
Crucially, Alexander emphasised that the forthcoming forum is not about imposing a uniform blueprint.
“Collaboration is about support and shared learning, not uniformity. It’s about elevating standards while respecting the autonomy of each union.”
In rugby terms, SA Rugby is calling a captains’ meeting to ensure everyone reads from the same game plan when it matters most with excellence with sustainability.
