Future Leadership Prospects for the Springboks
Leighton Koopman|Published
Mzwandile Stick aspires to become the next Springbok head coach. Although Rassie Erasmus is set to lead the team until at least the 2031 Rugby World Cup in the United States, Stick is receiving strong institutional backing to prepare for this future role.
Having climbed the ranks within South African rugby coaching, the current assistant coach is widely regarded as a key figure in the Springboks’ long-term succession strategy, aiming to maintain the legacy of the four-time Rugby World Cup champions.
While competition for the head coach position will be fierce, Stick benefits from the exclusive support of Roc Nation Sports International (RNSI), the agency representing several prominent Springbok players.
Michael Yormark, president of RNSI, affirmed the agency’s commitment to aiding Stick’s journey toward becoming head coach. Stick is currently the sole rugby coach under RNSI’s management, joining elite players such as Bok captain Siya Kolisi, winger Cheslin Kolbe, fullback Aphelele Fassi, and versatile back Jordan Hendrikse.
“It’s clear that Stick harbors ambitions to lead the Springboks as head coach one day,” Yormark stated.
“That aspiration drives him, and we are dedicated to supporting him in every possible way. There are milestones to reach before that goal, but our intention is to back him exclusively, ensuring he remains our only rugby coach client.”
“His journey is inspiring, and with continued dedication, we expect him to advance significantly within South African rugby,” Yormark added.
Stick’s coaching career includes leading the Eastern Province U19 team to their inaugural domestic championship in 2015. He then served as backline coach for the Southern Kings during the 2016 Super Rugby season before joining the Springbok coaching staff under former head coach Allister Coetzee.
Despite initial challenges within the national setup, Stick regained momentum through his work with the Junior Springboks. The arrival of Erasmus in 2018 marked a turning point, facilitating Stick’s return to the senior national team’s coaching ranks.
Since then, the Springboks have achieved remarkable success, including winning the 2019 Rugby World Cup, triumphing in the British and Irish Lions series, and defending their title at the 2023 World Cup in France. Additionally, they secured consecutive Rugby Championship titles in recent seasons.
Having contributed to over 100 Test matches as a coach, Stick has become an indispensable member of the Springbok leadership group. His expertise will be crucial as South Africa aims to clinch a historic third consecutive Rugby World Cup victory at the 2027 tournament in Australia.
