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RUGBY: Bok Women’s head coach steps down on eve of Black Ferns Test

Swys de Bruin has stepped down as Springbok Women’s head coach. The news comes just days before the team faces the Black Ferns in a historic double-header.

RUGBY: Bok Women’s head coach steps down on eve of Black Ferns Test

Swys de Bruin, the head coach of South Africa's women's rugby team, has resigned before their historic match against the Black Ferns. The match, set for September 5 at FNB Stadium, marks the first-ever Test for New Zealand in South Africa. De Bruin's resignation stems from a disagreement over win bonuses from the Fiji and Kenya tours.

Assistant coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September have stepped in as co-head coaches for the crucial clash. Despite the resignation, the team remains focused on the task at hand. Black Ferns co-captain Ruahei Demant praised South Africa's performance in the 2025 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal, where they showcased unexpected creativity, such as 15-person lineouts and mauls off scrums.

The Springbok Women aim to maintain their physical presence and execute set-pieces while preparing for New Zealand's expansive attacking game. The team's experience will be key as they face off against their longtime rival in what promises to be a thrilling match.

Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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