As the 2026 Western Province club rugby season nears, local rugby clubs are gearing for battle in various leagues.
In this feature, DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette highlights the diverse expertise and storied careers of the coaches leading the basin’s rugby talent.
Macassar – SUPER LEAGUE B
Macassar RFC coach Carl le Roux, known as “CLR”, began his coaching journey at Zandvliet High School in 2009. Driven by the life lessons he learned as a player, his mission has always been to impact his community by helping young talent master the game.
Since joining the MC Boys in 2022, Le Roux has been a driving force behind the club’s rise. After two years as backline coach he took over as head coach in 2024, leading the team to historic promotion into Super League B. Last year, Le Roux successfully established the club in the league with a strong seventh-place finish.
As the new season kicks off he is embracing a rebuilding phase centred on the club’s youth. Despite losing several key players, he’s targeting a top-five finish and a brand of rugby that will ignite the stands. “My motto is to one day leave Macassar RFC in better condition than I found it,” Le Roux said.
With his focus on sustainability and future success, he is doing exactly that.
All Saints – SUPER LEAGUE B
Lin Beukes, an IRB Level 2 coach and Stellenbosch University graduate, brings championship pedigree to All Saints. His career began at the prestigious Paul Roos Gymnasium and includes leading Hoërskool Kirkwood to their first undefeated season in 85 years.
Beukes’ résumé features elite experience as Eastern Province Craven Week head coach and consultant for the Springbok Women’s Rugby World Cup preparations.
More recently he spent nine years at Helderberg RFC, where he secured an undefeated Super League B title and a historic spot in the National Club Championships.
After leading the Olla Boys to Super League B status last year, Beukes is now focused on the winning the title. His mission extends beyond the scoreboard, prioritising a “family first” culture to build better players and community role-models.
“We don’t just want to participate; we want to compete for the title and create hope for our community,” he said.
St George’s RFC – SUPER LEAGUE B
For Renaldo Meyer, coach of St George’s RFC, rugby is a lifestyle that has shaped his values and discipline since childhood. A former Lulu Boys’ forward, Meyer transitioned to coaching in 2019 by co-founding the Strand Rugby Youth Academy, where he developed core skills for young talent.
His career highlights include a stint at Strand RFC (2023), where he served as first team forwards coach, successfully maintaining the club’s position in Super League B.
He joined Macassar RFC in 2024 and led a dominant Super League C campaign with only two losses to secure promotion. Last year, he established the team as serious Super League B contenders, narrowly missing the top-six.
Now with St George’s, he is building momentum with a focused squad to overcome “silly season” challenges and leave a lasting mark on the league.
With a deep technical focus on the “tight five” Meyer is dedicated to developing both the player and the person.
Strand United – SUPER LEAGUE C
Local club rugby stalwart Taariq van der Ross serves as head coach at Strand United for the upcoming season.
A vastly experienced coach and former captain of several clubs in the Helderberg, as well as Manenberg Rangers and Vineyards outside the region, he returns to coach the club with which he last won league titles in 2006 and 2023.
“The club is coming off a difficult 2025 season, but has still managed to attract 100-plus players for the upcoming season,” Van der Ross said of United.
“This positivity we need to take onto the field of play to secure our Super League status for 2027. Write us off at your own peril.”
Gordon’s Bay Pioneers – NORTHERN LEAGUE
With nearly two decades of experience, coach Anwar Josephs is a veteran of club rugby whose career has come full circle. Josephs began his coaching journey 18 years ago and has become a respected figure in rugby.
His career highlights include serving as a key member of the Boland women’s team coaching staff until recently.
In 2012 and 2013 he led the then Strand Pioneers to a league title as head coach. He now finds himself as head coach of Gordon’s Bay Pioneers.
Josephs enters the 2026 season with the same aspirations, drive and goals that defined his early success.
His return marks a significant moment for the club as they look to tap into his deep tactical knowledge and winning mentality.
Strand – SUPER LEAGUE C
Strand RFC boasts two coaches at the helm: Quinton Daniels and Omar Wyngard.
With more than 30 years of coaching experience and a Level 3 qualification, Daniels is a cornerstone of the local rugby community and he brings a lifetime of elite-level knowledge to the club.
Before transitioning to the sidelines, Daniels was a formidable flyhalf and centre who excelled at every level, having represented WP League, WP, Boland Cavaliers, Border and Eastern Province. He also earned caps for the Junior Springboks and the SA Invitation team that toured South America.
Daniels’ coaching résumé is equally impressive, having led teams at Helderberg RFC and SA Police RFC.
His passion for the sport remains a family affair; he is currently involved at Hottentots-Holland High School alongside his son Clayton, continuing his mission to develop the next generation.
With more than 20 years of experience, Wyngard serves as the second senior coach for Liga and is known for his tactical brilliance and out-of-the-box thinking.
A Level 2-qualified coach, he has built a reputation as a strategist who elevates team status. A versatile talent, Wyngard excelled as centre, fullback and later flank. As captain he led the former Strand Pioneers to league runners-up
Wyngard’s coaching career is highlighted by leading All Saints RFC from Super League C to Super League B.
Having previously coached at the then Gordon’s Bay Leopards RFC and Sir Lowrians RFC, his deep roots in local rugby and proven ability to deliver results make him a vital asset to the Strand RFC coaching staff.
Raithby Universals – SUPER LEAGUE C
Raithby Universals has named Keagon Gordon as head coach for the 2026 season.
Returning to the community where he grew up, he brings a wealth of high-level experience to his debut coaching role, viewing it as the perfect opportunity to give back to the game.
His elite rugby experience started at school when he represented the first team of Boland Landbou for two years and earned WP under-18 Craven Week honours. A former Blue Bulls player, Gordon was part of their under-19 Currie Cup-winning team and played for the under-21 side. He also won the USSA Championship with Tuks 7s team and competed in the Varsity Cup 7s for UJ while contracted to the Lions.
Though new to the sidelines, Gordon is driven by a passion for player development and the life lessons rugby provides. “Coaching felt like the natural next step. I have a real passion for working with people and helping them grow,” he related.
Sir Lowrians – SUPER LEAGUE C
Sir Lowry’s Pass local Edward Thando “Boetie” Makhundayi is ushering in a new era for Sir Lowrians RFC.
A true homegrown talent, he has climbed every rung of the club’s ladder.
Makhundayi first made his mark as Sir Low’s fearless first-team captain before transitioning into his current dual role as head coach and director of rugby.
His impact was solidified last season when he restored hope to the community by steering the club to historic Super League C promotion.
Now, as both strategist and heart of the coaching structure, the local lad hopes to prove that the best leadership often comes from one’s own backyard.
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