The announcement was made on Wednesday by SA Rugby President Mark Alexander, who said the initiative would formalise existing cooperation and deepen relationships across the South African rugby landscape.

At present, coaching staff engage primarily around the management of Players of National Interest, for whom SA Rugby already contributes to salaries. The new forum will create a structured platform to expand those interactions, allowing for regular engagement, shared learning and strategic alignment.

SA Rugby has confirmed its support for the Springbok coaching staff in assisting franchises such as the Bulls and other teams that may request similar collaboration. This support is intended to provide a sounding board and encourage the exchange of ideas, rather than to interfere with team identities or game plans.

Alexander said closer cooperation between national and domestic coaches should become standard practice in SA rugby.

He added that the Springbok coaching staff and member unions must work together to share expertise and strengthen the game at all levels, noting that similar models are already well established in several leading rugby nations.

According to Alexander, a number of member unions have previously sought assistance from the Springbok coaching team to address specific coaching gaps. He stressed that the current support being provided to the Bulls is part of an established approach and is not designed to impose a uniform style of play.

The planned forum will bring together national team coaches and member unions to exchange best practices, align long-term strategies and reinforce the shared values and ethos of South African rugby, with the aim of improving performance while respecting the independence of each union.

–SARugby/ChannelAfrica–