Stellenbosch Academy of Sport Rugby Institute - International, high-performance rugby programmes
SAS Rugby offers programmes that expose players to High Performance sport and gives them the opportunity to become professional rugby players. The Stellenbosch Academy of Sport opened in 2012 and is a destination for sportsmen and women across many sport codes from all over the world. Other than being the home of Springbok Sevens and the Springbok U/20s, it is also the preferred choice for the Spr
ingbok senior side for holding camps. National rugby teams from Argentina, England, Wales, Brazil, Kenya, Zimbabwe have been hosted by SAS. Non-rugby visitors have included the Olympic athletic teams from Great Britain and Germany, national hockey sides from the Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium, Austria, India as well as numerous world class triathletes. It is an all-inclusive facility that houses a gymnasium, medical-and rehabilitation facilities, dining hall as well as accommodation and meeting rooms. Stellenbosch is widely regarded as the home of South African rugby, with a rich tradition over the past 150 years. Home of the University of Stellenbosch (Maties), the biggest rugby club in the world and the club that has produced the most Springboks, such as Jean de Villiers, Schalk Burger, Frans Malherbe, Francois Louw, Willie le Roux and Schalk Brits. It is also home of the famous Boys’ School, Paul Roos Gymnasium, named after the first Springbok captain of 1906; and alma mater of the most Springboks of any school in South Africa. The well-loved father of modern Maties rugby, Doc Danie Craven, is the third entry in the Rugby Hall of Fame after the town Rugby and William Webb Ellis. He was a Springbok player, Springbok coach, President of the South African Rugby Union as well as President of the International Rugby Board and the mentor of many a Springbok player. Stellenbosch is the most famous student town in South Africa and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and the famous winelands. A town that is world renowned for sporting activities and student life, only 40 minutes away from Cape Town. The mother city is also the first choice tourist destination for visitors to South Africa and the home of Table Mountain, one of the new seven world wonders of nature. It is also home to Robben Island, the prison where the father of the new South Africa, Nelson Mandela, was imprisoned for 27 years
01/01/2025
Happy New Year from the SAS Rugby family! 🏉
Here’s to another year of growth, passion and unforgettable moments on and off the field.
Thank you for being part of our journey—let’s make 2025 our best year yet!
27/12/2024
A massive thank you to Beyerskloof for their incredible support and partnership during the SAS Rugby Coaching Seminar.
What better way to show our appreciation to our esteemed speakers than with a bottle of exceptional wine? Your contribution added a special touch to the event.
25/12/2024
Wishing you a Merry Christmas from the SAS Rugby family! 🎄🏉
May your day be filled with joy, laughter, and special moments with loved ones. Thank you for being part of our journey this year!
18/12/2024
Day 2 - SAS Rugby Coaches Seminar
Day 2 split into specialised sessions for coaches and strength & conditioning professionals, offering tailored expertise.
In the Strength & Conditioning session, PJ Wilson, Dr Michael Cahill, and Pierre Spies from Wattbike delivered game-changing talks on speed development, strength and power, innovative conditioning methods, sports technology and off-feet conditioning strategies.
At the coaching session, Bernard Jackman, Jaco Peyper, Joey Mongalo and Felix Jones shared their wealth of experience, diving into key aspects of coaching excellence. The day ended with an insightful panel discussion that brought together diverse perspectives.
18/12/2024
Day 1 - SAS Rugby Coaches Seminar
The SAS Rugby Coaching Seminar kicked off with a high-energy start! PJ Wilson from Setanta along with Felix Jones and Nic Ferreira, delivered insights on integrated rugby skills and conditioning that demonstrated how to achieve peak physical fitness through rugby.
A fantastic opening day packed with actionable knowledge!
03/12/2024
1 DAY TO GO! ⚡️
We can’t wait to kick things off tomorrow! Get ready for game-changing insights from top rugby coaches — this is one event you don’t want to miss!
✔️ 4–6 December 2024
✔️ Markotter Sports Complex, Stellenbosch
03/12/2024
We’re excited to announce Duane Vermeulen as a speaker at the SAS Rugby Coaching Seminar!
The Rugby World Cup champion, Duane Vermeulen’s rugby journey is nothing short of legendary. Known for his immense physicality on the field and his ability to lead under pressure, his illustrious career saw him excel across top leagues worldwide. Now stepping into coaching, Duane is sharing his expertise as an SA Rugby Mobi-Unit coach, helping national teams refine their strategies and elevate their performance.
In his session, “The Art of Lineout Mauling,” Duane will take us through the nuances of one of rugby’s most decisive phases. Drawing on years of experience in high-pressure environments, he’ll share the techniques and insights that defined his playing style and success.
✔️ 4–6 December 2024
✔️ Markotter Sports Complex, Stellenbosch
03/12/2024
We’re excited to announce Nic Ferreira as a featured speaker at the SAS Rugby Coaching Seminar!
Nic’s coaching career has taken him from financial analysis to rugby pitches worldwide. As the programme director for SAS Rugby 7s, he has played a key role in the programme’s success, drawing on his expertise in skills coaching and performance planning. His innovative coaching style has benefited teams at every level, including Paul Roos Gymnasium and, most recently, the Springbok Women’s Sevens A Team at the Emirates Dubai 7s in 2023.
In his session, “Developing a Player’s Skill Set & Increasing Situational Awareness Through Game-Related Scenarios,” Nic will uncover methods to improve decision-making and adaptability on the field.
✔️ 4–6 December 2024
✔️ Markotter Sports Complex, Stellenbosch
03/12/2024
We’re excited to announce that Hawies Fourie, one of South Africa’s most experienced and successful rugby coaches, will be joining us at the SAS Rugby Coaching Seminar!
Drawing from his impressive coaching journey with teams like the Boland Cavaliers, Cheetahs, Griquas, and Maties, Hawies will share his insights on “Breaking Down the Principles of Good Attack and Effective Phase Play.”
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from a coach who has consistently led his teams to success, including multiple Currie Cup titles and Varsity Cup championships.
✔️ 4–6 December 2024
✔️ Markotter Sports Complex, Stellenbosch
02/12/2024
We’re honoured to welcome Felix Jones, one of rugby’s most innovative coaching minds, to the SAS Rugby Coaching Seminar!
From his early coaching days at Munster to his instrumental role in South Africa’s back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories, Felix has solidified his reputation as one of the sharpest analytical minds in rugby. As an assistant coach for the Springboks, he played a crucial part in crafting winning strategies and decoding opposition defences, a skill set he’s now brought to top-tier teams across the globe.
In his session, “Quiet Precision & Powerful Impact: The Subtle Skill in Modern Attack,” Felix will dive into the intricate balance of precision, creativity, and ex*****on that defines cutting-edge attacking systems in today’s game.
✔️ 4–6 December 2024
✔️ Markotter Sports Complex, Stellenbosch
02/12/2024
We’re thrilled to welcome Joey Mongalo to the SAS Rugby Coaching Seminar as one of our esteemed speakers!
A former Junior Springbok, Bulls player, and now a leading coaching force in South African rugby, Joey has shaped elite teams like the Lions, Bulls, and Sharks with his innovative strategies and unmatched passion for the game. His journey from the playing field to the coaching box is a testament to his drive, emotional intelligence, and dedication to continuous learning.
At the seminar, Joey will dive into his topic: “Building a Defence System: From Concept to Execution.” This is your chance to learn how one of rugby’s top defensive minds transforms ideas into winning strategies on the field.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from a coach whose impact is felt across South African rugby.
✔️ 4–6 December 2024
✔️ Markotter Sports Complex, Stellenbosch
29/11/2024
We are honoured to announce that Jaco Peyper, one of rugby’s most respected referees, will be joining us as a speaker at the SAS Rugby Coaching Seminar!
A career spanning 67 international tests, three Rugby World Cups, and countless high-stakes moments, Jaco has established himself as a legend in the rugby world. From officiating iconic finals to mentoring the next generation of referees, his contributions to the game are unparalleled.
At the seminar, Jaco will share insights in his talk: “Referee Mindset Rehab – Rebuilding Focus and Decision-Making Under Pressure for the Modern Game.”
Join us for this opportunity to hear from one of rugby’s greatest minds.
✔️ 4–6 December 2024
✔️ Markotter Sports Complex, Stellenbosch