South African Rugby League announced the national coaches for the senior men’s and junior men’s teams. The senior side is playing against Cook Islands in November this year in a World Cup Qualifier and the winner of this match will qualify for the 2026 International Rugby League Men’s World Cup in Australia. The Under 19 team will play in the 2026 European Youth Championship with a view to qualify for the World Championships.
Darryl Fischer, ex Magpies and NRL player turned coach, will take on the role of Senior Head Coach for the Rhino’s. Darryl has extensive coaching experience, having coached in England, New Zealand and Australia, and have been tasked to ensure the Rhino’s qualify for the World Cup and take the team all the way through to the World Cup in 2026.
“It’s a tremendous honour to be appointed as National Coach of the South African Rhinos for the 2025 Rugby League World Cup Qualifier. Representing South Africa and leading this group of passionate, committed athletes is a responsibility I take great pride in. Our focus is not only on qualification, it’s on creating lasting momentum for rugby league’s growth in South Africa.” Darryl Fisher, Head Coach – SARL Rhino’s.
Gideon Fick from the Nigel Rabbitoh’s has been appointed the coach of the Under19 (Youth) Team and will take responsibility for developing a young team and take them to the European Championship and from there to the World Championships. Gideon has been involved with the Rhino National Team system for a while now and this is a great opportunity for him to develop the youth structures in South Africa.
“I am really honoured to be entrusted to take the reins of the Under 19 National Rugby League team. There is a European Championship in 2026 and several upcoming international matches in the next few years. These players will form the core of the team for the 2030 IRL World Cup so I am excited about the journey I am about to embark on with these young men.” Gideon Fick, Under19 (Youth) National Rugby League Team
Both coaches were appointed after an exhaustive process by the Coaching Commission who received several applications for the coveted positions. The management and support personnel for the two teams will be announced in the following week and further updates will be shared as the team prepares for the World Cup Qualifier in Australia.
Deon Kraemer, Chairman of the Coaching Commission was very positive on the recent developments: “On behalf of the Coaching Commission, we extend our congratulations to the two national coaches. Their appointment is a testament to their expertise, commitment, and vision for South African Rugby League. We are confident that their leadership will inspire excellence and unity both on and off the field.”
South African Rugby League recently submitted a proposal for South Africa to host the 2030 IRL World Cup and has also started making several changes to their internal structures to ensure that the organization is positioned correctly going forward. The appointment of the national coaches to focus on the World Cup and the Youth World Championship forms part of the long term strategy for the development of rugby league in South Africa.
“I would like to congratulate all the newly appointed national coaches on their selection. We are excited about the upcoming season and confident in the leadership and vision they bring to our teams. With the World Series on the horizon and a historic test match against the Cook Islands in November, this is a significant and inspiring time for South African Rugby League. We wish all our coaches and players every success as they prepare to represent our nation with pride.”
– Dr Frans Erasmus, President of SARL
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