Ex-Bok moves up Irish coaching ladder

A former Springbok has landed a new coaching role in Ireland.

Ex-Western Province and Stormers scrumhalf Dan van Zyl, who earned one Test cap on the Boks’ 2000 end-of-year tour, has joined All-Ireland League Division 2B club Navan after six seasons in charge of Wicklow, where he built a strong reputation in Ireland’s grassroots rugby structures.

Van Zyl moved to Ireland after accepting a playing contract with County Carlow and has remained there ever since.

Following his playing career, he coached several teams and programmes in Ireland, including Ireland U18 Clubs, Ireland Students and Leinster Women, while also serving as a Leinster coach development officer and Rugby Ireland academy director.

ALSO: ‘South Africans just hate the Irish’

“I am really excited to be joining Navan and to be coaching in the All-Ireland League again,” said Van Zyl, who also played provincial cricket for Northern Transvaal and Boland.

“I have gained a lot of experience and achieved success both coaching and playing in the AIL.

“Navan is a club I have always wanted to be involved with, as it has great mini, youth and U20 sections.

“In addition, the women’s game in Navan is going from strength to strength.

“The club has a great tradition, facilities and people. I hope to build on everything the club has achieved to date and to bring further success to Navan.”

Click here to read article