Exclusive: How Dave Wessels Is Connecting Every Level of South African Rugby

South African rugby has enjoyed a memorable year across all levels, from the world-champion Springboks to the surging Springbok Women and the consistently impressive Junior Springboks. 

At the centre of the country’s high-performance machinery is Dave Wessels, SA Rugby’s High Performance General Manager, who has played a pivotal role in strengthening the pipeline since leaving the Stormers nearly two years ago.

Wessels, who joined SA Rugby after serving as Director of Rugby at the Stormers, has been tasked with overseeing both women’s and junior rugby. Under his watch, the Springbok Women reached the World Cup quarterfinals, the Junior 

Springboks won the U20 World Championship, and the U18s delivered a strong showing in their international series earlier this year.

Leaving the Stormers: “To Work for SA Rugby Is Special”

Reflecting on his journey from franchise rugby to the national setup, Wessels says the transition was sparked by a phone call from Rassie Erasmus, one rooted in a relationship that goes back nearly two decades.

“I got a call from Rassie, and bear in mind I’ve known him since 2007 when I was an analyst at the Stormers,” Wessels recalls with a laugh. 

“He wanted to focus on coaching the Springboks and needed someone to assist. It was awesome to get that call… it has been great.”

Although Wessels had thrived at the Stormers, the opportunity to influence rugby at a national level was irresistible.

“The Stormers was a great environment, but to work for SA Rugby is special.”

Building a Team: Bringing in ‘Friends’ Like Kevin Foote

One of Wessels’ first moves as GM was appointing Kevin Foote — a long-time colleague and former Melbourne Rebels coach — to lead the U20 Springboks. The decision proved inspired as Foote guided the team to junior world glory.

“Footey and I have known each other for a long time; we coached together for years at UCT. Things didn’t go his way in Australia, but he’s a great and experienced coach. I knew he was the right guy to lead young men in our environment, and he has done a great job.”

Supporting Growth in the Women’s Game

Wessels also played a role in securing the future of the Springbok Women, with SA Rugby extending the contract of head coach Swys de Bruin after a historic World Cup run.

“Swys has been wonderful for the girls. Yes, he’s a bit older and has life experience, but he’s a great coach, on and off the field. I think he was hesitant to get involved in women’s rugby, and so was I.”

But the World Cup experience shifted the outlook.

“I’m so excited for women’s rugby. Being at the World Cup, you could feel the energy, not just for rugby, but for women’s sport in general. We’re going through a massive social change.”

Wessels says SA Rugby is preparing to invest heavily in the women’s programme, from expanding contracts to arranging more fixtures against top-tier nations.

“Our goal is to compete at the next World Cup. Ultimately, we want women’s rugby to be run by women, and we want to have a female head coach in the near future.”

Strengthening the Junior-to-Senior Pipeline

South Africa has long produced exceptional youth talent, though some young stars historically slipped through the cracks, often moving abroad shortly after school. Ensuring local pathways remain strong is a core part of Wessels’ mandate.

“Rassie and the guys have set such a high standard, and our commercial team has lifted the SA Rugby brand. Players joining our structures realise they’re part of something special,” he says.

The priority is not merely winning tournaments but fostering long-term growth.

“Yes, we want to win, but our job is to ensure players graduate to the senior side, like Zach Porthern coming through. We want them to be good franchise players and ultimately great Springboks.”

Despite global demand for South African talent, Wessels says most promising juniors remain committed to wearing green and gold.

“We’re lucky. The players we want are staying, although there are one or two exceptions.”

For Wessels, the mission is clear: “It’s about connecting the pieces between junior and senior levels. Our role is to serve Rassie and the Springboks.”