Swys on Bok Women exit: Why selection interference and other aspects became too much
by KickOff Rugby · KickOffFrom a little boy who barefoot braved the frost of Ficksburg’s fields to the Women’s Springboks coach who recently resigned, Swys de Bruin may be taking a different path, but his passion for rugby is far from extinguished.
In a conversation with Hennie Koortzen of Die Papier, De Bruin said his goals as a coach have always been about much more than just results.
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“I don’t just want to develop rugby players. I want to develop people who can be role models with self-respect and who also treat their fellow human beings with the necessary respect.”
As a coach, he achieved several highlights, including winning the Currie Cup in 2015 with the Lions.
De Bruin also reached several Super Rugby finals with the Lions. He was a member of Rassie Erasmus’s Springbok coaching group as attack coach.
Even more important, he said, was “always being able to say that we had a happy and contented group, and that is why personal relationships are such an important factor.”
Referring to his role as coach of the Bok Women, De Bruin said: “I initially didn’t fully realise what I was getting myself into.
“I quickly experienced how wonderful the environment is. My biggest challenge was to change the perception among many people that women can also play the game, and play it well. It was wonderful to see how grateful many of the players are, not just to play rugby, but for opportunities to stay in hotels and to fly.”
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De Bruin referred to their success in qualifying for a Rugby World Cup quarter-final for the first time last year as a highlight.
“To be ranked among the top ten countries made some of these players role models in their communities. It was really wonderful to witness.”
All things considered, it was not an easy decision to bid farewell to the Women’s Boks.
“I first believe in seasons and that coaches, with a few exceptions, should not stay with a team for longer than two to four years.
“I am, however, rather particular about doing things my way. When it comes to the game and coaching, it is difficult when people constantly interfere with things I need to change, also with team selections. It reached a point where it simply became too much, and that is unfortunately what happened here.”
Certain claims in the media stuck in his craw.
“The allegations that I resigned because of money and bonuses are a lie. I was consistently satisfied with my salary and remuneration. It makes me furious when people don’t get their facts straight. People claim I left the women’s team just like I ‘abandoned’ Rassie and the Springboks two weeks before the World Cup.
“I left the Springbok camp for medical reasons and because of an advanced case of total burnout, which is worlds apart from my reasons for last week’s resignation.”
Regarding the future, De Bruin said: “Although everything still has to be confirmed, I am going to train coaches at Boys’ High. I will also help with the school’s rugby structures.”