Former Boland coach Franzel September joins rival in......

The 37-year-old was introduced on Friday as one of interim head coach Louis Koen’s assistants as the Springboks gear up for the WXV 2 tournament in October and the 2025 World Cup in England.

His appointment extends until the conclusion of the World Cup, where he will collaborate with former Springbok Women’s player Laurian Johannes-Haupt as forwards coach.

September recently graduated from SA Rugby’s Elite Coaching Programme and began coaching at Roses United rugby club in Wellington before leading Boland as their coach.

“I’m enthusiastic about this new phase in my rugby journey and thankful for the opportunities I’ve had with Boland and our accomplishments,” September commented.

“Initially, joining the national team felt a bit surreal, but the women welcomed me warmly, and I quickly found my place. I’m eager for the challenges ahead; it’s going to be an amazing experience.

“While leaving Boland is bittersweet for me, my move to SA Rugby opens up opportunities for someone new there, which is fantastic. Additionally, my involvement in the national set-up can inspire hope for other coaches in our region.”

September joins the Women Boks following a successful stint coaching Boland to victory in the Currie Cup First Division.

Lynne Cantwell, SA Rugby’s High-Performance Manager for Women’s Rugby, emphasized September’s valuable expertise he brings to the team.

The Women Boks are set to commence preparations for the inaugural WXV 2 tournament, where South Africa will face Samoa, Japan, Italy, USA, and Scotland.

“We’re thrilled to add a full-time coach to our staff, which will greatly enhance our program moving forward. Having someone dedicated to planning and strategizing even outside of camps is a significant advantage that we haven’t had until this year.

“Our forward pack is undeniably one of our team’s strengths, and with our coaching staff now fully complemented, we can focus on refining their skills even further.”