SAS Rugby Management

& Coaching Staff

Jacques Hanekom

Head of SAS Rugby

Launched SAS Rugby in 2016
BA Higher Education
Former provincial player and coach: Western Province Vodacom Cup, Western Province Currie Cup, Buccaneers Ireland
Specialises in rugby player recruitment and development of pathways

SAS Rugby

Ernst Joubert

Head of SASRII

Joined SAS Rugby in January 2017
B Com Management Accounting
Former professional rugby player for the Lions, Saracens and Emerging Springboks.

SAS Rugby
SASRII

Hein Kriek

Head Coach SASRII

Joined SAS Rugby in January 2023
MSc Sporting Director (Salford University)
BSc Honours in Sport Science
World Rugby Level 3
Former SA Schools Head Coach, Pumas Currie Cup Assistant Coach and Technical Director for Rugby Netherlands.

SASRII

Neil de Kock

Kicking & Scrumhalf Specialist Coach

Joined SAS in January 2018
BCom Industrial Psychology
Former professional rugby player for Western Province, Saracens and the Springboks.

SASRII

Johann Zeier

Scrum Coach and Analysis SASRII

Joined SAS Rugby in January 2019
MSc Honours in High Performance Sport
Currently Head coach for Maties Women’s Rugby and former performance analyst for SX10 in the World Tens Series and Germany 7’s World Cup team.

SASRII

Ian Campbell McGeachy

Backline, Skills & Attack Coach SASRII

Joined SAS Rugby in January 2023
World Rugby Level 2
Currently Paul Roos Gymnasium Assistant Coach and former Maties 7’s Coach

SASRII

Andrea Damon

Physiotherapist SASRII

Joined SAS Rugby in September 2019
BSc Physiotherapy, MSc Exercise and Sport Physiotherapy
Specialises in musculoskeletal, orthopaedic and sports physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Injury prevention, management, and rehabilitation.

SASRII

Armand Venter

S&C Coach, Biokineticist & Sport Scientist SASRII

Joined SAS Rugby in September 2019
BA Honours in Sport Science and BA Honours in Biokinetics
Specialises in Orthopaedic rehabilitation and High-Performance training

SASRII

Chris Dry

Head of SAS 7s

Joined SAS Rugby in 2023 following his retirement after 12 seasons with SA Sevens.
Former Springbok 7s player who earned 373 caps in 74 tournaments between 2010 - 2021. Won 21 tournaments and 2 World Series titles. Participated in the 2020 Olympic Games and was part of the SA Sevens team who won gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Former professional player for the Free State Cheetahs between 2009 - 2011 and 2017.

SAS Rugby 7s

Nic Ferreira

Assistant Coach SAS 7s

Joined SAS Rugby in 2019 as a skills and kicking coach having previously coached at St Andrew’s College.
After a couple seasons with the SASRII programme, he moved over to the SAS Sevens programme as Assistant coach in 2022.
Coaches Paul Roos Gymnasium U16A Team and 1 st 7s Team.

SAS Rugby 7s

Werner Botha

Sport Scientist SAS 7s

Joined SAS Rugby in 2018
National Diploma in Sport Science
Works with a variety of athletes focusing on return to play integration after injury, focusing on Sport/ Orthopaedic rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Pre- or Post-Operation, and High Performance Training.

SAS Rugby 7s

Nadia Booyens

Physiotherapist SAS 7s

Joined SAS Rugby in 2021. Previously worked at Villagers Rugby Club and with Rhinos Rugby 10s.
BSc Physiotherapy
Injury prevention, management and rehabilitation.
Specialist in the treatment of orthopedic and musculoskeletal injuries.

SAS Rugby 7s

Georgie Trodd

Strength and Conditioning SAS 7s

Joined SAS Rugby in 2023
BSc (Hons) Performance Sport
Rugby conditioning, data analysis, sports recovery.
Previously involved with SA Sevens Academy and SA U18 Rugby.

SAS Rugby 7s

Franklin van Wyk

Logistical Manager SAS

Support Staff

Follow the Action

SAS 7s - Block 3

The hustle continues as we continue into Block 3 of the SAS 7s programme this week.

#sasrugby #sas7s #sevensrugby #7srugby #southafrica #rugbysouthafrica

SAS 7s - Block 3 The hustle continues as we continue into Block 3 of...

SAS 7s x @sweat_1000

As the boys prepare to head into their upcoming game block, we brought them out to SWEAT1000 for their game-changer. SWEAT, which stands for Specialized Weight Endurance Athletic Training, is about pushing limits. The ‘1000’ represents the calories burned in the 1-hour workout, integrating the best components of interval training, functional training, core stability work, athletic training, and agility training.

Big thank you to the SWEAT1000 team and @andrewsweat1000 and @paulsweat1000 for the incredible experience!

#sasrugby #sasrii #sas7s #sevensrugby #7srugby #southafrica #rugbysouthafrica #sweat1000

SAS 7s x @sweat_1000 As the boys prepare to head into their upcoming game block,...

Mid-session cool down.

#rugby #sasrugby #sevens #sevensrugby #southafrica #rugby7s

Mid-session cool down. #rugby #sasrugby #sevens #sevensrugby #southafrica #rugby7s

The SAS 7s players are back in action this week with Block 2 in full swing! Here’s what Head Coach @chrisdry7 had to share after today’s dynamic session with the Blitzboks:

“Programme is going very well. Intensity is picking up. We are at a stage where we are combining training as well as conditioning. We had a good run-in with the @blitzboks this morning and we’re heavily focused to get some good structures and execution for the next block.”

#sasrugby #sas7s #sevensrugby #7srugby #southafrica #rugbysouthafrica #coach

The SAS 7s players are back in action this week with Block 2 in full...

Hard grafts from our 7s players this week🛠️

#sasrugby #sasrii #sas7s #sevensrugby #7srugby #southafrica #rugbysouthafrica #gym #gymmotivation

Hard grafts from our 7s players this week🛠️ #sasrugby #sasrii #sas7s #sevensrugby #7srugby #southafrica #rugbysouthafrica...

The SAS 7s group had the privilege of taking part in the @blitzboks warm-up games this past weekend.

“I’m going to judge them on their effort and their attitude. And that’s what they brought.”- @chrisdry7

#sasrugby #sas7s #sevensrugby #7srugby #southafrica #rugbysouthafrica

The SAS 7s group had the privilege of taking part in the @blitzboks warm-up games...

✖️Bronco Test✖️

A true measure of endurance, mental and physical. The SAS standards are high and we’re raising the bar, pushing boundaries, and preparing these athletes to achieve peak performance.

#sasrugby #sasrugby7s #sevensrugby #sas7s #highperformance #rugby #fitness

✖️Bronco Test✖️ A true measure of endurance, mental and physical. The SAS standards are high...

Explosive Focus.

#sasrugby #sasrii #sas7s #sevensrugby #7srugby #southafrica #rugbysouthafrica

Explosive Focus. #sasrugby #sasrii #sas7s #sevensrugby #7srugby #southafrica #rugbysouthafrica

All gas, no brakes📈

During the first week of the SAS 7s programme, players undergo various tests and evaluations. Testing at the beginning of the program provides a baseline assessment of each player’s fitness, skills, and performance levels.

Speed testing is an important part of these assessments. Understanding each player’s speed, power, and agility is crucial. These insights provide valuable data on how quickly our athletes can generate force and propel themselves forward – skills vital in the dynamic, fast-paced nature of the game.

#sasrugby #sasrii #sas7s #southafrica #rugbysouthafrica #speedtraining #highperformance

All gas, no brakes📈 During the first week of the SAS 7s programme, players undergo...

The hype is ramping up for our internationally renowned #sas7s programme starting on 31/07.

We're fired up and ready for the boys to start next week! Keep close watch on our socials for the kick-off⚡️

#sasrugby #sasrii #sasrugby7s #southafrica #rugby

The hype is ramping up for our internationally renowned #sas7s programme starting on 31/07. We're...

🔒

SASRIC ‘23 - STRENGTH & CONDITIONING🛠️

S&C sessions form an integral part of the SASRIC programme and go beyond just building physical strength.

These sessions instill a deep understanding of S&C principles in our young players. We focus on fostering proper techniques, emphasizing the importance of form and injury prevention.

We nurture a culture of discipline, dedication and passion for the game!

#sasrugby #sasrii #sas7s #sasric2023 #southafrica #rugbysouthafrica

SASRIC ‘23 - STRENGTH & CONDITIONING🛠️ S&C sessions form an integral part of the SASRIC...

✖️Introducing Ernst Joubert: Head of SASRII✖️

With a formidable background as a powerful No 8, and the grandson of former Springbok Piet Malan, Joubert has left an indelible mark on the game.

Before joining SAS in 2017, Joubert made a name for himself as one of Brendan Venter's finest signings for Saracens. His commanding ball-carrying skills and nimble work at the line-out earned him recognition as one of the Premiership's top performers, even earning a spot on the player-of-the-season shortlist. As fate would have it, he stepped up to captain Saracens in the absence of the injured England lock Steve Borthwick, leading them to the Premiership final.

A natural leader both on and off the field, Joubert's transition to Saracens from the Lions showcased his determination and skill. Now, as part of the SAS coaching staff, Joubert brings his wealth of knowledge and experience to guide and inspire our players.

#sasrugby #sasrii #sas7s #southafrica #rugbysouthafrica #rugbycoach

✖️Introducing Ernst Joubert: Head of SASRII✖️ With a formidable background as a powerful No 8,...

Run it.

#sasrugby #sasrii #sas7s #sasric2023 #southafrica #rugbysouthafrica

Run it. #sasrugby #sasrii #sas7s #sasric2023 #southafrica #rugbysouthafrica

A vital part of our SASRIC programme is the Rugby 101 sessions🔩

It’s not just about mastering the game; it’s about developing well-rounded players both on and off the field. In our Rugby 101 sessions, we delve into topics that go beyond the boundaries of the pitch.

Understanding your value as a player to embracing education, nutrition, mental health, playing styles, the transition from junior to senior rugby, and life after rugby, we empower our boys with knowledge and insights that shape them holistically.

Because we believe that true rugby excellence extends far beyond the game itself💪🏽

DM for more information about our programmes and how to apply📲

#sasrugby #sasrii #sas7s #sasric2023 #southafrica #rugbysouthafrica

A vital part of our SASRIC programme is the Rugby 101 sessions🔩 It’s not just...

SAS 7’s 2023 - International High Performance Rugby Programme

✖️31 July 2023 - 8 November 2023
✖️18-24 years
✖️Stellenbosch, South Africa

The SAS Rugby 7s Academy is a programme expertly designed to unlock the full potential of players. Located in the spectacular Stellenbosch, SAS provides an idyllic setting that inspires excellence and fosters the growth of young, aspiring rugby players.

SAS proudly stands as the esteemed official home of rugby greatness. It serves as the training hub for teams such as the Springbok Men's 7's and Women's 7's, the SA 7's Academy, the Springbok u20 Academy, Springboks Men's and Women's XV, the Junior Springboks, and the SA u18 teams.

✖️DM for more information & contact details.

#sasrugby #sasrii #sas7s #sasric2023 #southafrica #rugbysouthafrica

SAS 7’s 2023 - International High Performance Rugby Programme ✖️31 July 2023 - 8 November...

We kicked off our SASRIC 2023 programme today in Stellenbosch🚀

The energy was high this morning as the boys hit the ground running for some field work and speed testing after arriving yesterday. We’re pumped to see the progress happen over the next few weeks🔥

Follow us over the next few weeks as we witness the boys develop and grow!

#sasrugby #sasrii #sasric2023 #southafrica

We kicked off our SASRIC 2023 programme today in Stellenbosch🚀 The energy was high this...

A great victory to end the season for the SASRII team,🏉 well deserved after a season full of blood, sweat and tears 🏉

A great victory to end the season for the SASRII team,🏉 well deserved after a...

The SAS 7's team ended their season on an all-time high⚡️🏉 with an incredible matchup against @swd_eaglesrugby

The SAS 7's team ended their season on an all-time high⚡️🏉 with an incredible matchup...

What a journey it has been!
A special thanks to everyone who made SASRII 2023 possible.
All the best to each and every player with their further endeavors!

What a journey it has been! A special thanks to everyone who made SASRII 2023...