Trailblazer Laurian Johannes-Haupt joins SA Rugby full-time ahead of 2025 World Cup

She becomes the first female rugby coach to hold a full-time position with a national team in SA Rugby's history.

Johannes-Haupt, who represented the Springbok Women at the 2010 Rugby World Cup and played in 12 Tests before retiring in 2014, was still working as a teacher at Athlone High School until last month, but has now stepped away from the classroom to focus on her other passion, that of coaching rugby.

The 40-year-old was appointed in her current coaching role in 2023, but with the position now full-time, it will allow the forwards and scrum coach to focus on the Springbok Women's 2025 Rugby World Cup campaign.

"It was a challenge to do both, as coaching at national level demanded more and more of my time and when this opportunity came to join SA Rugby full-time, I had to make the call," said Johannes-Haupt.

"I loved teaching very much, but rugby is also a passion and with our current group developing into a force on the world stage, it was the right time to move on.

"The squad have shown good growth and with the current group of coaches under the guidance of Swys de Bruin, I believe the best is yet to come. I have been involved in rugby for almost two decades now and can honestly say that we are ready to deliver performances not seen by the national squad before."

Johannes-Haupt said she was also keen to continue growing the women's game, something she is now better placed to do: "SA Rugby's commitment to empower the women's game also provided me with some encouragement and clarity and helped me make the final call and move into this full-time role."

Johannes-Haupt's coaching record is impressive, having won the Women's Premier Division with DHL Western Province twice before becoming Junior Springbok Women's coach. She is also a graduate of the World Rugby and Gallagher Coaching Internship Programme and joined the Springbok Women in 2023 as assistant coach.

"The internship programme was really good for me, as it exposed me to the coaching philosophies and coaching styles of other countries and I will forever be grateful for that opportunity," Johannes-Haupt explained.

"SA Rugby has created a solid pathway for women in rugby and me signing on full time is just another example of that. I am convinced others will follow."

Dave Wessels, SA Rugby's General Manager: Rugby said the appointment of Johannes-Haupt is part of the vision to grow the women's game and create much-needed scope for growth for the female rugby players in the country.

"We already have more than 50% female representation within our management of the Springbok Women and we are keen to grow that number as well," said Wessels.

Meanwhile, the Springbok Women will assemble in Stellenbosch on Sunday for a week-long camp as they kick-start their 2025 preparations for the Rugby World Cup, to be played in England in August.

The squad of 38 players consists of 21 forwards and 17 backs. Vainah Ubisi and Rights Mkhari are recovering from injuries, while overseas-based players Sinazo Mcatshulwa (France), Danelle Lochner, Babalwa Latsha, Lindelwa Gwala and Catha Jacobs (all England) were not considered as they are busy with club commitments.

Springbok Women training squad

Forwards: Sanelisiwe Charlie, Yonela Ngxingolo, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Aliyah Tchogna Njamen, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Azisa Mkiva, Anita Tom, Roseline Botes, Luchell Hanekom, Bronishia Hess, Micke Gunter, Nolusindiso Booi, Nomsa Mokwai, Dineo Ndhlovu, Lusanda Dumke, Sizophila Solontsi, Faith Tshauke, Aseza Hele, Nobuhle Mjwara, Anathi Qolo, Sinelitha Noxeke.

Backs: Tayla Kinsey, Unam Tose, Felicia Jacobs, Alicia Willemse, Nadine Roos, Mary Zulu, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Zintle Mpupha, Chumisa Qawe, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Veroeshka Grain, Ayanda Malinga, Nomawethu Mabenge, Shaunique Hess, Jakkie Cilliers, Byrhandre Dolf, Eloise Webb. 

READ MORE: Lood de Jager set to make injury comeback in Japan after long layoff