Rugby Coaching - South Africa

Rugby in South Africa

As you are probably aware, the South Africans are extremely passionate about their Rugby. They are a tough and very technical force to be reckoned with! Although rugby is a passion for many, very few get to play and develop in a well-structured environment. And the irony is that many of the most promising players, often living in and around Port Elizabeth's townships, are left undiscovered and their talents undeveloped. Although it is hard for these children to get a game going with some friends, many are seen kicking and throwing a ball around with each other, dreaming of being the next Francois Pienaar and leading the Springboks to World Cup victory once again. But without the proper chance to play and further their game, this will only ever remain a township fantasy.

Your Placement

It is with your support as a rugby coach that these seemingly abstract dreams can begin to be turned into a reality. However, although this may appear intense, it really isn't. We welcome volunteers with any level of rugby experience, be it playing socially with friends, representing your school, club or university team or even as far as holding coaching qualifications. The emphasis isn't on developing Africa's next international rugby players, but about getting alongside children from less-advantaged backgrounds and building friendships over a common ground. It is from here that you will start to give enthusiastic, young players the chance to play the sport they love in an organised and fun environment.

You will be under the guidance of our in-country team which has implemented the rugby and sports activities programme, largely centred in the townships and schools that skirt the city. The first stage as a coach is to help organise and run training clinics and matches for the children, as well as providing them with decent rugby equipment to use. This will be a great experience for forming relationships with the players and also for developing your own confidence. The second stage will be working together, as a volunteer unit, to plan and run rugby tournaments that incorporate both matches and team-building activities. Although the focus is on personal skills and sports development, there will be ample opportunity to scout for talented individuals who, with the right support and training, could go onto play professional level rugby.

Your Role

Being a rugby coach in South Africa, will mean you are responsible for running and supervising all training and matches for the players. This may sound daunting, but it really isn't! You will soon realise that you have an abundance of knowledge and an understanding of rugby that the players are so desperate to have. The rewards are great because the raw talent is there, but the understanding of 'basics' and the experience of a team structure are often not. By introducing simple ball handling skills, movement, position holding and team play, your players will develop rapidly.

You will also have solid support from the other volunteers, our in-country staff and local coaches who will give you all the training methods and ideas that you might need. From complicated technical play and beach runs to rucking and mauling formations, you will soon develop your own coaching programme, unique to you and your players.

However, being a rugby coach is much more than just organising sports activities for young players. You will become their friend and, more importantly, you will be their mentor. It will be your role to support and encourage your players throughout your placement, giving them the sense of belonging that is so often lacking. You will also be given a comprehensive induction from our in-country staff who will explain your role in a lot more detail, what is expected of you and simple ways to get the most out of your time coaching rugby in South Africa.

Social Life

We believe it is important to give volunteers the chance to unwind and have fun while they are away. The in-country team therefore organises a variety of activities to bring volunteers together, to share their experiences and, above all, have a good time. The social life in South Africa really is second to none. With so many 'sporty' people living together, social teams are a must. You will have more than enough time to play volleyball and football on the beach and we may finally find out who are the better athletes - footballers, hockey players, rugby players or cricketers?! There is also a whole variety of local teams that you can play with and, if you fancy the challenge, you can create your own volunteer team and play against the South Africans!

Sundowners FC

If you fancy exchanging your rugby boots for football boots, or simply want to get involved with a bit of supporting, our very own sports team, Sundowners FC, will give you the perfect opportunity to show off your footy skills. The side has an emphasis on the social aspect of football and ensures that the matches finish before the sun goes down, just in time for an afternoon drink! You will play alongside other volunteers, children and locals against a variety of other local teams. This will give you great experience in building cross-cultural friendships as well as enjoying Sundowners FC's fiery post-match social celebrations!

from  £995

Global Sports Xperience

If you’re passionate about sport, then you’re in the right place. Global Sports Xperience is all about taking adventurous people overseas to play,coach and qualify in sport. Whether you’re taking a gap year, a career break or a short adventure holiday, we have loads of amazing programmes for you to choose from

  

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