Swys de Bruin has never done things conventionally. The man, who transformed the Springbok Women into quarter-finalists, and who won Super Rugby finals with unfashionable franchises, is about to embark on another mission, shaping the next generation of coaches at Paarl Boys High.

From a barefoot boy braving the frost on Ficksburg’s fields to one of South African rugby’s most respected tactical minds, De Bruin’s journey has been anything but straightforward. Now, having recently resigned from the Springbok Women’s coaching role amid media speculation, he’s heading to one of schoolboy rugby’s most storied institutions with a clear purpose: developing people, not just rugby players.

Speaking to Die Papier, De Bruin revealed that whilst everything still needs final confirmation, he will be training coaches at Boishaai and assisting with the school’s rugby structures.

“I don’t just want to develop rugby players, I want to develop people who can be role models with self-respect and who treat their fellow man with the necessary respect,” De Bruin explained, articulating a vision that goes far beyond winning matches.

A coaching CV that speaks for itself

De Bruin’s credentials are impeccable. He guided the Lions to the Currie Cup in 2015, orchestrated multiple Super Rugby finals with a Johannesburg franchise that had spent years in the wilderness, and served as attack coach in Erasmus’s Springbok setup. These aren’t just achievements, they’re proof that his methods work at the highest levels of professional rugby.

But what sets De Bruin apart isn’t the trophies. It’s the culture he builds, the relationships he fosters, and the environment he creates.

“To always be able to say that we have a happy and satisfied group, that’s why personal relationships are such an important factor,” he noted.

This philosophy will serve him perfectly at Boishaai, where he’ll be developing coaches who will shape impressionable teenagers navigating the formative years when character is forged and futures are determined.

The Springbok Women chapter: pride and frustration

De Bruin’s tenure with the Springbok Women delivered genuine progress. Qualifying for a World Cup quarter-final for the first time last year represented a watershed moment for South African women’s rugby, elevating the team into the top ten nations globally.

“I didn’t fully realise what I was getting into initially,” De Bruin admitted with characteristic honesty. “But I quickly experienced how wonderful the environment is. My biggest challenge was changing the perception among many people that women can also play the game, and play it well.”

Also read: The tactical maverick leaves Springbok Women flying high

What moved him most was witnessing the players’ gratitude, not just for the opportunity to play rugby, but for experiences like staying in hotels and flying to competitions that many had never imagined possible.

“To be ranked among the top ten countries made these players role models in their communities. It was truly wonderful to witness,” he said, the pride evident despite the circumstances of his departure.

But beneath the achievements lay mounting frustration with interference that ultimately made his position untenable.

“I believe firstly in seasons and that coaches, with few exceptions, shouldn’t stay with a team longer than two to four years,” De Bruin explained. “However, I’m quite determined to do things my way. When it comes to the game and coaching, it’s difficult when people constantly interfere with things I must change, also with team selections. It reached a point where it just became too much, and unfortunately that’s what happened here.”

Setting the record straight

What clearly rankles De Bruin more than the departure itself is the media narrative that followed. Accusations that he resigned over money and bonuses have left him fuming.

Also read: De Bruin shuts down bonus battle claims after resignation

“The claims that I resigned because of money and bonuses are a lie. I was consistently satisfied with my salary and compensation. It makes me furious when people don’t get their facts straight,” he stated bluntly.

Even more damaging were comparisons to his exit from the Springbok setup in 2019, with critics suggesting he has a pattern of abandoning teams at crucial moments.

“People claim I left the women’s team just as I ‘abandoned’ Rassie and the Springboks two weeks before the World Cup. I left the Springbok camp for medical reasons and due to an advanced case of total burnout, which is worlds apart from my reasons for last week’s resignation,” De Bruin clarified, the frustration at having to repeatedly defend decisions made for his health palpable.

Burnout isn’t weakness. It’s a medical condition brought on by sustained stress and overwork. That De Bruin recognised the warning signs and prioritised his health over remaining with the Springboks should be applauded, not used as a stick to beat him with whenever he makes career decisions.

Beyond confirmation

Whilst De Bruin noted that “everything still needs to be confirmed,” the fit between his philosophy and Boishaai’s needs appears seamless. The school gains access to one of South African rugby’s most innovative minds during a period of big changes at the school. His son, Niel previously the Director of rugby left to join the Bulls and legendary head coach Sean Erasmus recently joined Maties.

Also read: Erasmus swaps Boishaai blue for Maties maroon in emotional farewell

Swys de Bruin isn’t done with rugby. He’s just redirecting his passion toward where it might matter most.