Lions and Swys de Bruin go their separate ways

After seven years with the Lions, initially as an assistant coach and thereafter as head coach, Swys de Bruin will part with the Lions Rugby. This decision is mutual, and both Lions Rugby Company (Pty) Ltd and de Bruin have parted ways amicably. 

“Swys has made a ground-breaking contribution in the style of play and attacking patterns to the Team whereby memorable tries have been scored at Emirates Airline Park,” said club chief executive Rudolf Straeuli. “On behalf of the management, players and supporters we thank him and wish him well in his future endeavours.” 

During de Bruin’s tenur,e the Lions won the Vodacom Cup in 2013, the Currie Cup in 2015 and reached the Vodacom Super Rugby finals is 2016, 2017 and 2018. 

“It was an unbelievable seven years with the Lions family. Thank you to everyone who made it special and memorable. I pray for the team to receive God’s blessings,” said de Bruin. 

“The Lions will always have a special place in my heart, and always remember as a Team we play to score tries and inspire people by the way we play.” 

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Lions Rugby Company (Pty) Ltd will proceed with an internal process and will consult with SA Rugby as well as other Stakeholders in the appointment of a successor. 

De Bruin was due to work with the Springboks at the World Cup in Japan but his his mental health situation, which impacted on his role with the Lions during the 2019 Super Rugby season, resulted in him stepping away from that responsibility. 

Rassie Erasmus called in former Munster assistant Felix Jones to fill the vacancy on the Springboks coaching ticket. 

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