Zenay Jordaan Returns to the Rugby World Cup as a Coach

(The Post News)– The last time Zenay Jordaan was on the Rugby World Cup field, she was lifted high on the shoulders of teammates and opponents, celebrating the end of her legendary playing career. Now, she’s heading back, but this time, with a whistle, not a ball.

Jordaan, who retired in 2022 as South Africa’s most-capped women’s player with 36 test matches, is joining the Springbok Women’s coaching team for the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England. She’s part of World Rugby’s Gallagher High Performance Academy, a programme that helps develop future coaches.

She’s no stranger to leadership either. Jordaan is already assistant coach for the Bulls Daisies, South Africa’s top women’s provincial team, and recently completed World Rugby’s Level 3 coaching course.

Joining the Bok Women’s training camp in Stellenbosch last week, Jordaan said getting back on the field in this new role felt right.

“I’m happiest on the field,” she said. “And being able to apply what I’ve learnt so far has been amazing. It helps that I know a lot of the players, and having someone like Laurian [Johannes-Haupt], who did this before me, is also a huge help.”

Laurian, now a full-time assistant coach for the Boks, was once in the same development role as Jordaan.

The Springbok Women are aiming to better their past World Cup results (they placed 10th in 2010 and 2014), and with the 100-day countdown officially underway, Jordaan is quietly hopeful:

Performance coach Swys de Bruin praised Jordaan’s return, saying her experience and passion are indeed what the team needs.

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Duduzile Pila

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