World Rugby Educator Course Concludes in Kimberley

SA Rugby concluded a successful World Rugby Educator course in Kimberley, where nine participants from three provincial unions engaged in a comprehensive programme which equipped them with globally recognised methodologies to train and develop coaches at both junior and senior level within their respective communities.

Held from 11 to 14 August in Kimberley, the course represents a significant advancement in SA Rugby’s commitment to broadening and diversifying its educator base, in line with the objectives of the Destination 2027 Strategic Plan.

The course was facilitated by a team comprising Hilton Adonis (World Rugby Master Trainer), Neville Heilbron, Selvyn Colby, David Dobela, and Bongani Qumbu.

“This course directly supports our ‘Destination 2027’ goals to broaden the educator base across all 15 unions, standardise training methodologies in line with global best practice, and create aspirational pathways for coaches and educators from grassroots to elite levels,” said Adonis, SA Rugby’s Senior Manager for Training and Education.

“We are building a system that reflects the full spectrum of South African rugby, ensuring that our educator pool is as diverse, skilled, and representative as the players and communities they serve.”

Participants explored modules covering educator delivery styles, understanding client populations, learning and assessment strategies, facilitation techniques, and risk management. The course placed strong emphasis on reflective practice and competency-based learning – cornerstones of SA Rugby’s evolving training and education ecosystem.

The participants were Marlene Adams, Sherwin Carelse, Henley du Plessis, Aschin Klein (all Free State), Mortan Coetzee, Jacques Mew, Joseph-John Molale, Andre Wait (all Griquas), and Laurence Christie (Golden Lions).

“By investing in educator development, SA Rugby is laying the foundation for a more inclusive, sustainable, and high-performing rugby environment,” added Adonis.

“The Kimberley course exemplifies how strategic training initiatives can drive change, elevate standards, and foster a rugby culture that is truly reflective of South Africa’s diversity.”