Maties Women’s Rugby head coach Aneesah Adams was among a select group of coaches who participated in a national initiative led by the South African Rugby Union aimed at accelerating the development of elite women’s rugby coaches in South Africa. 

The Women Coaches’ Transitioning Workshop, hosted in the Western Cape last month, brought together 24 coaches from across the country as part of SA Rugby’s efforts to strengthen pathways for women in high-performance coaching. The workshop forms part of SA Rugby’s broader Destination 2027 strategy, which aims to significantly increase the number of women coaching at the highest levels of the game. 

All participating coaches hold World Rugby Level 2 coaching accreditation and were nominated by provincial unions based on their coaching performance and involvement in domestic competitions and development programmes. The workshop served as a key step in preparing coaches for potential nomination to the prestigious World Rugby Level 3 coaching qualification. 

Sessions covered high-performance coaching topics including Functional Role Analysis, modern interpretations of the laws of the game, and resilience training designed to equip coaches for elite rugby environments. 

For Adams, the opportunity represents an important step in her own coaching journey. 

“I didn’t come through the traditional rugby pathway,” she said. “I actually never played contact rugby, only touch rugby, so to be recognised within the SA Rugby coaching pathway means a lot.” 

Her selection highlights the evolving landscape of rugby coaching, where leadership, tactical understanding and player development are just as valuable as a playing career. 

As head coach of Maties Women’s Rugby, Adams continues to play an important role in developing student-athletes both on and off the field. 

Reflecting on the experience, she said the programme provided valuable opportunities to refine her coaching approach and connect with other women shaping the future of the sport. 

“To be in a space filled with women who are passionate, competent and ambitious about rugby was incredibly motivating. It reminded me that we are part of something bigger — helping shape the future of women’s rugby in South Africa,” she said. 

Adams’ involvement highlights Maties Rugby’s continued contribution to the development of women’s rugby and coaching leadership in South Africa. 

With the Varsity Cup 2026 season now underway and the women’s team defending their title, the programme continues to demonstrate its impact both on the field and in developing the next generation of rugby leaders.