Zenay Jordaan to return to Rugby World Cup in coaching role

JOHANNESBURG – Former Springbok Women star Zenay Jordaan returns as a coach.
 
The last time the 34-year-old left the pitch at the Rugby World Cup, she was carried off shoulder high by her Springbok Women teammates and England opponents.
 
She retired after the 2022 New Zealand World Cup, bringing to a close a 36-cap career, at the time the most played by any South African player, having represented South Africa in six global tournaments and been named Springbok Player of the Year in 2013.
 
Come England and RWC 2025, Jordaan, who recently completed World Rugby’s Level 3 coaching course, will return to the global showpiece with the Springbok Women in a coaching capacity, assisting South Africa’s coaching staff as part of World Rugby’s Gallagher High Performance Academy programme.
 
“I really enjoyed the online part of the course thus far and I learned so much from so many experienced coaches in that time. It certainly added to my knowledge and composure as a coach. On the field is where I am at my most happy, so to have this opportunity to come and implement those guidelines were as pleasing,” said Jordaan, who is also assistant coach for the Bulls Daisies, South Africa's top provincial team.
 
She trained to become a firefighter but gave up that career when she was offered one of South Africa’s first women’s professional contracts.
 

“The fact that I know those players and played with some others at the last tournament has made life easier for me. Also, with Laurian (Johannes-Haupt), who walked this journey before me, also here was another bonus. She has given me good advice where needed, and I can always check-in with her if I am not sure about something.
 
“What has struck me thus far is the quality of the coaches they have here and how they manage to bring the message across to the players. There is good communication going both ways. The players are asking good questions and what impressed me is the clarity of communication regarding the sessions so far.”
 
The Bok Women are hoping to improve on their previous best finish at the Rugby World Cup (10th in 2010 and 2014) in England.