The Springbok Women could enter the WXV Global Series without a permanent head coach, with South Africa Rugby showing no immediate urgency to appoint a successor to Swys de Bruin.
De Bruin’s departure earlier this month has left Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September in charge on an interim basis. With the next major international assignment now approaching, the pair could have a valuable opportunity to make a case for the job on a permanent basis.
SA Rugby keeping its options open
South Africa Rugby has yet to announce a timeline for appointing De Bruin’s successor after confirming his departure on 3 September.
At the time, the union indicated that Johannes-Haupt and September would take charge while the team prepared for its Test against New Zealand.
The Springbok Women subsequently suffered a 52-20 defeat to the Black Ferns in Soweto on 5 September.
Despite that setback, the decision to keep the current coaching team in place for the upcoming WXV campaign could indicate that SA Rugby is prepared to give the duo more time to prove themselves.
The situation is notably different from 2022, when SA Rugby moved relatively quickly after parting ways with Stanley Raubenheimer. Louis Koen was initially installed as an interim coach before the union advertised the position and eventually appointed De Bruin.
This time, there has been no indication that the same process will immediately be followed.
Johannes-Haupt and September have a chance to impress
There is a case for allowing the current coaching team to continue.
Johannes-Haupt and September were both involved during the Springbok Women’s unbeaten Rugby Africa Women’s Cup campaign in May. They were also part of the coaching setup that guided South Africa to a Test series victory over Fiji in August.
Their familiarity with the squad could prove valuable, particularly with the WXV Global Series beginning soon.
However, the upcoming fixtures will provide a much tougher examination.
The Springbok Women will face Wales, Italy and Spain before returning home for two matches against Ireland. Those games will give the coaching duo an opportunity to demonstrate whether they can successfully guide the team against strong international opposition.
WXV campaign could shape the next appointment
The timing of De Bruin’s departure means SA Rugby has a difficult decision to make.
Appointing a new coach immediately could provide certainty, but it would also give a new coach very little time to prepare for a demanding international campaign.
Keeping Johannes-Haupt and September in charge, meanwhile, allows the union to assess their performance under pressure before making a long-term decision.
The WXV Global Series could therefore become more than just another international competition for the Springbok Women. It may also determine who eventually leads the team into its next phase.
Springbok Women WXV Global Series fixtures
18 September
Wales vs South Africa — Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff
20:15 South African time
26 September
Italy vs South Africa — Stadio Omero Tognon, Pordenone
14:30 South African time
4 October
Spain vs South Africa — Estadio Olímpico de la Cartuja, Seville
12:00 South African time
24 October
South Africa vs Ireland — Athlone Sports Stadium, Cape Town
15:00 South African time
31 October
South Africa vs Ireland — Athlone Sports Stadium, Cape Town
15:00 South African time
For now, Johannes-Haupt and September have the opportunity to take charge of one of the most important periods in the Springbok Women’s recent history.
Whether they are simply holding the fort or auditioning for the permanent job could become clearer as the WXV campaign unfolds.
