How Swys de Bruin found joy in coaching the Springbok Women after burnout

Three weeks before the 2019 World Cup, the Springboks’ preparations received a jolt when attack coach Swys de Bruin resigned from the management team.

The popular coach cited personal reasons that he later disclosed to be stress-related.

De Bruin withdrew from coaching for some time and worked as a television analyst, but a year later, he was tempted into a return to coaching when he was offered the different challenge of heading the Springbok Women’s team.

It has been a marriage made in heaven — if that is the correct terminology — with De Bruin loving his new lease on life and the Bok Women improving hugely over the last 12 months.

De Bruin, speaking hours before taking his team to the Women’s World Cup in England, was honest about what went down in 2019.

“What happened to me? It is a good question,” De Bruin said. “It was a case of burnout. Thank goodness I am over that. I know the traps — I must not get too involved in refereeing decisions, social media, and try and read everything.

“I was with the Springboks and also a head coach in Super Rugby (with the Lions) — you go from one group to the other, and the stress just builds and builds.

“Now, I don’t feel stress. I feel excitement,” he explained. “If you asked me now whether I prefer coaching men’s or women’s rugby, I would tell you I prefer the women. They are so passionate, grateful for everything they get.”

De Bruin said his team had been overwhelmed by the support they had received in recent months, culminating in an emotional farewell banquet on Thursday night.

“This country is so special to play for,” he said. “Everywhere you go, the girls are suddenly being embraced. They feel special. You must see the number of schoolgirls who follow these Springbok women. They became role models overnight.”

De Bruin said the success of Rassie Erasmus’ men’s side has rubbed off on the women.

“We have had Siya Kolisi at so many practices. We have had messages from Rassie. They invited us to play curtain-raisers at their recent games against Italy. That is huge for the ladies.

“In Gqeberha, before the Boks played the second Test against Italy, Rassie said, ‘Let’s take a picture of both teams together. We are one family.’ Where else in the world do you see a photo of the men and women together?”

De Bruin said he was a bit nervous before reporting for duty with the Bok Women. He feared a big adjustment.

“I was a bit worried until I realised that they don’t want to be coached as women. They want to be coached as rugby players. They don’t want to play touch rugby. They want to tackle each other!”