Our Coaches

Over 50

Years worth of coaching eXperience collectively

Anton Moolman

Rugby Director Southern and Northern Cape

Learn more about Anton

Anton has made a signiﬁcant impact in the rugby world as the Founding Director of the Western Province Rugby Academy (now WPIRI), where he helped build the Institute into the powerhouse that it is today. His passion for rugby has allowed him to establish numerous local and international relationships, helping to create some of today’s great rugby superstars.

Anton recently ﬁnished his season as the SWD Eagles Head Coach, where he experienced great success. He has also held several other impressive coaching positions, including Head Coach of the Bourgoin Jallieu in France, Seattle Seawolves Major League Rugby USA Head Coach, the Western Province 7s and U/21 Coach and the Vodacom Cup Coach!

Darren Venter

Programme Manager

Learn more about Darren

Darren attended the South African Institute of Rugby in Durban and graduated from the University of Pretoria in 2006 with a degree in Sports Science. Currently, he is furthering his qualiﬁcations by pursuing his Certiﬁed Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certiﬁcate.

With a diverse background in rugby, Darren has made signiﬁcant contributions as a player, coach, and manager. He played 1st team rugby for Kimberley Boys High School and College Rovers in Durban, while also earning coaching and refereeing certiﬁcates. Last year, Darren served as a key member of the Griquas U/21 management team for the 2023 season.

Brendell Brandt

Head Skills Coach

Learn more about Brendell

With a career spanning over 120 ﬁrst-class caps, Brendell has left an indelible mark on the sport. From winning the Bankﬁn Cup with the Blue Bulls to representing the Pumas in the S.A. 7’s tournament and the Vodacom Cup, Brendell’s playing career speaks volumes.

Transitioning seamlessly from player to coach, Brendell has coached at various levels, demonstrating his versatility and expertise. Some of his positions include Head Coach of the WP Rugby Academy Claremont Campus and coaching roles in Super A rugby clubs. Currently, he serves as the Windhoek Draught Griquas Currie Cup Backline Skills Coach, where his invaluable knowledge continues to make a signiﬁcant impact on the team’s success.

Hilroy Baadjies

Forwards and IPD Coach & Female Head Coach

Learn more about Hilroy

Hilroy’s rugby journey spans across various teams and leagues. Beginning as the U/16 Captain at Klein Nederburg Sekonder Skoal, he navigated through the ranks, achieving milestones such as representing the U/18 Craven Week Team and later joining prominent teams like the Boland Kavaliers U/21 Team and Roses United Rugby Club, where he secured league victories.

His versatility and success extend to Sevens Rugby, where he clinched cup victories with teams like Young Peoples, Paarl RFC, and Hands and Hearts. Hilroy’s impact in rugby transcends the ﬁeld as he has also dedicated himself to coaching, contributing to school and community teams, and organizing tournaments.

Sean Harding

Strength & Conditioning Coach

Learn more about Sean

Sean graduated with a BHSC in Health Sciences with Human Movement Science and Sport Coaching from NWU. In rugby, Sean’s journey is marked by exceptional achievements and leadership roles. From earning accolades such as “Backline Player of the Tournament” for Griquas at U/19 level to vice-captaining the U/19 NWU rugby team, his talent and leadership were evident from a young age.

As he progressed through university, Sean continued to excel, representing teams like the U/20 Young Guns rugby squad for NWU and the U/20 Leopards rugby squad. His coaching experience includes guiding Excelsior Men’s Residence 1st year rugby team to an unbeaten season, further highlight his dedication and expertise in the sport.

Chad Mpisi

Life Skills Coach

Learn more about Chad

Chad brings over 6 years of experience as a Career Guidance Counsellor and Personal Development Facilitator, impacting the lives of over 400 individuals. With a degree in Psychology from the University of the Free State and currently pursuing his master’s, Chad’s educational journey mirrors his commitment to helping others succeed.

His athletic skills are equally as impressive, representing the Northern Cape in swimming and hockey at U/16, U/18, and National levels, earning recognition as “Senior Swimmer of the Year” in 2019. Beyond sports, Chad was honored as First Prince at the Mr UFS and Mr Universities South Africa in 2019, showcasing his diverse talents and achievements.

Thapelo Moshodi

Intern Video & Game Analyst

Learn more about Thapelo

As a proud alumni student-athlete of the UXi Rugby Institutes, he spent two years at the UXi FSIRI, showcasing immense talent as a forward and representing the Toyota Cheetahs U/20 and U/21 teams.

An unfortunate neck injury during a training match ended his playing career prematurely. Undeterred, TP focused on his education, pursuing a Certiﬁcate in Sports Administration through HFPA. Despite the setback, his dedication to rugby remained unwavering.
After completing his Certiﬁcate, TP seized an internship opportunity in video and game analysis at the UXi Griquas Rugby Institute. Transitioning from student-athlete to mentor, he now helps others pursue their rugby dreams.