SA Rugby is set to establish a national coaching forum, aiming to strengthen the bonds between national team coaches and franchise and provincial union coaching staffs. This initiative, announced by Mr. Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, will provide a formal structure for enhanced communication and collaboration. Currently, coaching staffs communicate over the schedules of Players of National Interest (PONI), for whom SA Rugby already contributes to their salaries. The new forum will formalize these relationships and encourage shared learning and support, rather than imposing a 'Springbok way' of playing on all teams. Mr. Alexander emphasizes that this is part of an established practice, where the Springbok coaching staff supports member unions to address coaching gaps, while respecting their autonomy and unique game plans. The forum will bring together national team coaches and member unions to exchange best practices, align strategies, and reinforce the ethos and values of South African rugby. This move is seen as a step towards collective excellence and sustainability in the sport.
