Another 'Bok coach gets axed

The services of another coach of one of South Africa’s national women's teams have been abruptly ended.

The South African Rugby Union confirmed to @rugby365.com that it will not renew the services of Springbok Women's head coach, Stanley Raubenheimer.

The official release from SA Rugby said Raubenheimer’s tenure will expire at the end of December.

Raubenheimer has been the national women’s coach for the last four years. At this time SA Rugby said women’s rugby was their second-highest priority.

Lynne Cantwell was appointed as the women’s high-performance manager which meant more player contracts. But this did not happen and the team travelled to New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup as amateur players last month. Apparently a few contracts for the women are planned for 2023.

According to news reports Cantwell is not interested in continuing to work with Raubenheimer.

The South African women went through four years without playing a single Test after finishing 10th at the 2014 Women’s World Cup and it was clear that there was a massive gulf between the men’s and women’s on-field achievements, off-field investment while the remuneration remained clear-cut.

The Bok women had a disappointing World Cup having not won a single game. Preparation started late and it was always going to be a catch-up game.

Earlier this year, Women’s Sevens coach Paul Delport parted ways with SA Rugby and was brutal in his comments, saying SA Rugby had little interest in fostering the women’s sevens game.

SA Rugby confirmed it would begin the recruitment process for a new Springbok Women’s coach in the New Year to take the team to the next level in its development.

The review of the women’s 2022 season has been completed and specific areas have been identified where additional resources and greater skill sets were required.

“We’ve had a close look at the areas we need to improve to break into the top ten in the world and we’ll be recruiting with that in mind,” said a spokesperson.

“Our players have the attitude, talent and passion to make great strides and our task now is to provide the coaching and support around them to allow them to fulfill their potential.”

A successor announcement would be made in due course.