Swys de Bruin recently made headlines with his abrupt departure as the head coach of the Springbok Women, creating waves of speculation around the circumstances of his resignation. In a candid interview, De Bruin has set the record straight, ensuring fans know the real reasons behind his decision.
During his exclusive conversation, De Bruin was quick to dispel the rumors that his exit was due to a financial dispute with SA Rugby concerning unpaid bonuses. He clarified that his decision had been made well before it became public knowledge and was strategically delayed until after a significant match.
"Let me put it very simply, it’s not as big a story as it’s being made out to be. I submitted my resignation a long time ago,"
De Bruin explained, hinting at a planned and thoughtful exit.
Furthermore, he emphasized that his resignation was not triggered by any personal issues or dissatisfaction with the rugby organization. "There’s really nothing funny about it, I’m just moving on. For me, it’s a new season. It’s not a case of me having a psychological setback or there was a dispute about money," he said, shedding light on his future plans and mental state post-resignation.
De Bruin's tenure as the high-performance coach for the Bok Women began in August 2024. Under his guidance, the team reached a milestone by making it to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time last year. His leadership has undoubtedly left a significant mark on the team's history.
In the wake of De Bruin's departure, Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September, his former assistants who have managed the team in previous international outings, will step up as co-coaches. This transition was confirmed by Saru just this Thursday, ensuring a seamless continuation in leadership for the Bok Women.
De Bruin's influence on the team and his clear vision for its potential have been evident. His departure might be an end of an era, but it also marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Bok Women under the guidance of Johannes-Haupt and September.
As the team moves forward without him, the foundation that De Bruin has built will undoubtedly serve as a stepping stone for future successes.
In wrapping up his remarks, De Bruin expressed nothing but optimism and support for the team's future, indicating his ongoing passion for the sport and its development at the national level.
