Fisher appointed Rhinos coach for World Cup campaign

South African Rugby League has announced the national coaches for the senior men’s and junior men’s teams.

The senior side is playing against Cook Islands in November in a World Cup Qualifier and the winner will qualify for the 2026 International Rugby League Men’s World Cup in Australia. The Under 19 team will play in the 2026 European Youth Championship with a view to qualify for the World Championships.

Darryl Fisher, an ex-Wests Magpies and NRL player turned coach, will take on the role of Senior Head Coach for the Rhinos.

Fisher has extensive coaching experience, having coached in England, New Zealand and Australia, and has been tasked to ensure the Rhinos qualify for the World Cup and take the team all the way through to the World Cup in 2026.

“It’s a tremendous honour to be appointed as National Coach of the South African Rhinos for the 2025 Rugby League World Cup Qualifier," Fisher said.

"Representing South Africa and leading this group of passionate, committed athletes is a responsibility I take great pride in. Our focus is not only on qualification, it’s on creating lasting momentum for rugby league’s growth in South Africa.”

Gideon Fick from the Nigel Rabbitoh’s has been appointed the coach of the Under19 (Youth) Team and will take responsibility for developing a young team and take them to the European Championship and from there to the World Championships. Gideon has been involved with the Rhino National Team system for a while now and this is a great opportunity for him to develop the youth structures in South Africa.

“I am really honoured to be entrusted to take the reins of the Under 19 National Rugby League team," Flick said. "There is a European Championship in 2026 and several upcoming international matches in the next few years. These players will form the core of the team for the 2030 IRL World Cup so I am excited about the journey I am about to embark on with these young men.”

Both coaches were appointed after an exhaustive process by the SARL Coaching Commission who received several applications for the coveted positions. The management and support personnel for the two teams will be announced in the following week and further updates will be shared as the team prepares for the World Cup Qualifier in Australia.

Deon Kraemer, Chairman of the Coaching Commission, said: “On behalf of the Coaching Commission, we extend our congratulations to the two national coaches. Their appointment is a testament to their expertise, commitment, and vision for South African Rugby League. We are confident that their leadership will inspire excellence and unity both on and off the field.”

South African Rugby League recently submitted a proposal for South Africa to host the 2030 IRL World Cup and has also started making several changes to their internal structures to ensure that the organization is positioned correctly going forward. The appointment of the national coaches to focus on the World Cup and the Youth World Championship forms part of the long term strategy for the development of rugby league in South Africa.

SARL President, Dr Frans Erasmus, said: “I would like to congratulate all the newly appointed national coaches on their selection. We are excited about the upcoming season and confident in the leadership and vision they bring to our teams. With the World Series on the horizon and a historic test match against the Cook Islands in November, this is a significant and inspiring time for South African Rugby League. We wish all our coaches and players every success as they prepare to represent our nation with pride.”