Leadership challenges experienced by elite South African rugby coaches

Abstract

South African rugby performances have shown a decline in international competitions in recent years as is evident from its move down the World Rugby Rakings. The present study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of this problem by investigating the leadership challenges experienced among a group of key role players within South African rugby, namely the head coaches of elite South African rugby teams that compete on an international level. A qualitative, phenomenological methodology was utilised, which collected data by means of in-depth interviews from six participants. The general systems theory was used as theoretical basis. The data revealed three main themes, namely environmental, relationships and personal leadership challenges. The data revealed that these coaches experience significant leadership challenges that are contributing to the problem, some of which are unique to the South African context. Recommendations to alleviate these challenges as well as for further research were included.