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IOL News
18-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Top 5 popular rugby coaches: See the South Africans in the chart
Image: Supplied As one of the biggest sports, rugby is incredibly popular in many countries worldwide, including South Africa. People love watching the best players in action, and they often get a lot of attention. That said, some fans forget that these players are led by a coach who is equally as important as they are. Behind every great team and exceptional achievement is a world-class coach with the talent to turn the rugby odds in their favour. This person's vision and strategies help the team reach the results it wants, so it is time to take a look at some of the best rugby coaches of all time. Unsurprisingly, half of them come from South Africa, one of the best rugby countries out there. Rassie Erasmus The first name on the list of the world's best rugby coaches goes to Johan Erasmus, also known as Rassie. The 52-year-old South African is the Springboks' current head coach (this is his second run in this position). Considering his impressive achievement, it is no surprise that many people consider him the greatest player of all time. Speaking of the achievements, Rassie Erasmus was one of the main reasons why South Africa won the Rugby World Cup 2 times (in 2019 and 2023). After achieving these impressive results, he was named the World Rugby Coach of the Year in 2019. Aside from helping South Africa's national team, Erasmus also worked with other clubs. He was a part of the western province and the Free State Cheetahs, Stormers, Munster, and Barbarians. Despite that, most people always associate him with the Springboks and the impressive results that the team achieved during his leadership. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Kitch Christie When talking about legendary South African rugby coaches, Kitch Christie is one of the first options that comes to mind. He was the Springboks' head coach between 1994 and 1996 and led the country to its first Rugby World Cup trophy. This happened in 1995, and it's safe to say it was a defining moment in post-apartheid unity. Under Kitch Christie, the Springboks won 14 out of 14 tests. He was famous for his disciplined play style and the team's strong leadership in the face of Francois Pienaar. Christie's success is legendary because it came during a time when Nelson Mandela was South Africa's president. Considering what happened in the years before that, everyone can agree that this coach will go down in history. Steve Hansen South Africa may be one of the best rugby countries in the world, but the same is true for New Zealand. The Blacks have many impressive results over the years, and some of them became possible because of Sir Stephen William Hansen, also known as Steve Hansen. The 65-year-old rugby coach is one of the biggest names in the sport. Under his leadership and tactics, New Zealand won the 2015 Rugby World Cup, and Hansen became one of the biggest names in this sport. Speaking of the New Zealand national team, Steve Hansen was in charge between 2012 and 2019. Before that, he was the coach of Canterbury and Wales. Interestingly, he was also an assistant coach for the Crusaders (between 1999 and 2001) and New Zealand (2004-2011). In other words, he has been involved in his country's national rugby team for 15 years. While he was NZ's assistant coach, the country also won the Rugby World Cup in 2011, so it's safe to say he has the same achievements as Rassie Erasmus, at least when it comes to World Cup trophies. Jake White Number four on the list of the greatest rugby coaches of all time is another South African. Jacob Charles White, also known as Jake White, is another living legend in the sport. He coached South Africa's national team between 2004 and 2007 and won the Tri Nations in 2004 and the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Alongside his impressive results with the Springboks, he also coached South Africa's under-21 team. In 2022, Jake White helped the team win the U-21 World Cup. Considering these achievements, it is no surprise that he is a part of the World Rugby Hall of Fame. Besides coaching South Africa's national team, Jake White helped many other teams over the years. He was a part of the Brumbies, Sharks, Montpellier, and Toyota Verblitz. Currently, he is the coach of the Bulls and has been in this position since 2020. Graham Henry Another world-class rugby coach that all fans are interested in is Sir Graham William Henry. The 78-year-old coach from New Zealand has an impressive history because he has coached various top teams over the years. Between 2004 and 2011, he was NZ's coach and helped the team win the 2011 Rugby World Cup. A few years earlier, however, he was involved in controversy following the All Blacks' loss in the 2007 Quarter-Final. After spending several years with his home country, he stepped down in 2011 after 140 matches, 1 World Cup trophy, and 5 Tri Nations titles. Apart from his impressive achievements with New Zealand's rugby team, Graham Henry also coached Wales between 1998 and 2002. He also helped Auckland, Auckland Blue, and the British and Irish Lions. Henry has also been an assistant coach in Argentina, a consultant in Leinster, and since 2018, he is an assistant coach for Auckland.
The South African
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
South African Rayno Nel makes history as 'World's Strongest Man'
South Africa has a new sporting hero. Rayno Nel, a 30-year-old former rugby player from Bloemfontein, has just been crowned the World's Strongest Man. This victory marks a historic first—not only for South Africa but for the entire African continent and the southern hemisphere. Nel's triumph in Sacramento stunned the strongman world. In his debut at the World's Strongest Man final, he edged out defending champion Tom Stoltman by a razor-thin margin of just 0.5 points. The final event, the legendary Atlas Stones, saw Nel load the fourth stone mere fractions of a second ahead of his rivals, according to Good Things Guy. This clutch performance sealed his victory with a final score of 47 to Stoltman's 46.5. Canada's Mitchell Hooper finished third with 43.5 points. Nel's journey to global dominance is nothing short of remarkable. Born in Upington and raised in the rugby heartland of Bloemfontein, he played rugby for the Central University of Technology and the Free State Cheetahs. After retiring from rugby in 2019 to work as an electrical engineer, Nel discovered strongman competitions in 2023. He quickly made his mark, winning South Africa's Strongest Man twice and claiming Africa's Strongest Man titles in 2023 and 2024. He also dominated the 2024 Strongman Champions League season, becoming the world series champion. At the 2025 World's Strongest Man finals, Nel wasted no time making his presence felt. On Day 1, he won the opening KNAACK Carry & Hoist and placed second in both the 18-inch deadlift and the Hercules Hold. These results gave him a commanding lead of roughly seven points going into Day 2. Although Stoltman fought back with wins in the later events, Nel's early cushion proved decisive. Nel said, 'To represent South Africa in any way whatsoever feels surreal. We're a small country with many struggles, so this means so much to my people.' He added with a smile, 'I couldn't enjoy my favourite Black Label lager here in California, so I'll have to try American beer tonight.' The reaction back home was electric. South Africans from Cape Town to Johannesburg flooded social media with pride. The official South African Government Twitter account congratulated Nel, tweeting: 'HISTORY MADE! Congratulations to Rayno Nel, Africa's first-ever World's Strongest Man champion!' Nel's win is more than just a personal achievement. It's a beacon of hope and a symbol of possibility for South Africa's 'rainbow nation.' He is proof that with determination and hard work, even the strongest titles in sport are within reach. Nel remains humble and hungry. 'My strength came up fast, and I'm still improving,' he said. South Africa can now celebrate not just a champion, but a legend in the making. The world has taken notice—and so has the whole of Mzansi. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
24-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Powerhouse from Krugersdorp named World's Strongest Man
Krugersdorp's very own Rayno Nel has done his country and community proud by securing a sweet victory at the recent World's Strongest Man competition held in California, United States of America. • Also read: Krugersdorp's Rayno crowned International Strongman What makes this achievement even more impressive is that Rayno has only been participating in the sport for two years, having previously been a rugby player. In June last year, South Africa hosted the Strongman Champions League for the first time, with the vision of someday seeing a South African reach the pinnacle of this sport. According to Rayno, for this to have happened so quickly was a welcome surprise. From his Varsity Cup days at the Central University of Technology to lifting the ultimate title in strength sports, Rayno's journey has been one of sheer resilience and national pride. His win serves as a reminder that greatness does not ask for permission; it announces itself. In his rookie season, Rayno boldly announced South Africa's presence in this global sport. Weighing an astonishing 147kg and standing at an impressive 1.9 metres tall, he has always had the physical presence of a strongman. Rayno confirmed that he only began competing in strongman competitions in 2023, when he emerged victorious in his first-ever showing at South Africa's Strongest Man. His impressive performances continued over the next couple of years, including winning the 2023 Africa's Strongest Man competition and finishing fourth at the Siberian Power Show last year. Winning the global competition on his first attempt cannot be understated, as he broke further records, including being the first man from outside Europe or North America to take the title in the competition's 48-year history. Before his rugby career, Rayno played for the Free State Cheetahs. He grew up in Upington and went on to study in Bloemfontein before moving to Krugersdorp to be closer to his fiancée. Rugby was what I thought I would do for my sports career. 'I didn't think I would do any sport ever again, but I always had this competitive side to me, so when I stopped playing rugby, I knew I needed to do something competitive. That's just who I am.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Scottish Sun
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Little-known former rugby star Rayno Nel, 30, makes history as he wins World's Strongest Man in FIRST YEAR competing
Rayno Nel did something no one else could in World Strongest Man NEL IN THE HEAD NEL IN THE HEAD Little-known former rugby star Rayno Nel, 30, makes history as he wins World's Strongest Man in FIRST YEAR competing FORMER rugby player Rayno Nel won World's Strongest Man on his debut in the competition. Nel, 30, managed to get the job done despite a slow start on Sunday in Sacramento, California. 3 Former rugby player Rayno Nel won World's Strongest Man on his debut 3 Nel made history as he became the first contestant from Africa to win World's Strongest Man 3 Nel maintained his supremacy in the final after winning his group in the Qualifying Stage The strongman made history as he became the first contestant from Africa to win in his first year. The South African maintained his supremacy in the final after winning his group in the Qualifying Stage. Nel prevailed in the Knaack Carry & Hoist as he finished first in the division. He also finished second in the 18th Max Deadlift and Hercules Hold. Nel snatched third place in the Atlas Stone and finished fifth in the Flintstone Press Max. His performance led to immense praise from fans worldwide on social media. One supporter tweeted: "What a performance." Another commented: "Seriously impressive." CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS A third wrote: "Well done Rayno." This fan said: "Awesome job." And that one stated: "Fantastic! Congratulations!" Nel started his career at rugby playing for the Central University of Technology and Free State Cheetahs in South Africa before moving to strongman in 2023.
The Irish Sun
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Little-known former rugby star Rayno Nel, 30, makes history as he wins World's Strongest Man in FIRST YEAR competing
FORMER rugby player Rayno Nel won World's Strongest Man on his debut in the competition. Nel, 30, managed to get the job done despite a slow start on Sunday in Sacramento, California. 3 Former rugby player Rayno Nel won World's Strongest Man on his debut 3 Nel made history as he became the first contestant from Africa to win World's Strongest Man 3 Nel maintained his supremacy in the final after winning his group in the Qualifying Stage The strongman made history as he became the first contestant from Africa to win in his first year. The South African maintained his supremacy in the final after winning his group in the Qualifying Stage. Nel prevailed in the Knaack Carry & Hoist as he finished first in the division. He also finished second in the 18th Max Deadlift and Hercules Hold. Read More on Rugby Nel snatched third place in the Atlas Stone and finished fifth in the Flintstone Press Max. His performance led to immense praise from fans worldwide on social media. One supporter tweeted: "What a performance." Another commented: "Seriously impressive." Most read in Rugby Union CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS A third wrote: "Well done Rayno." This fan said: "Awesome job." And that one stated: "Fantastic! Congratulations!" Nel started his career at rugby playing for the Central University of Technology and Free State Cheetahs in South Africa before moving to strongman in 2023.
