By UCT Ikey Tigers Media
June 2026
The UCT Ikey Tigers community is bursting with pride following a landmark announcement from SA Rugby. Our very own Women’s Rugby assistant coach, Natasha Hofmeester, has officially been appointed as the first-ever Head Coach of the SA Schools Girls national team.
This is a massive moment for South African rugby. For the first time, a national SA Schools Girls team will take the field, making their debut immediately after the FNB U18 Girls Week in Gqeberha.
To have Hofmeester chosen to steer this brand-new era of elite youth rugby is a huge nod to her tactical expertise, her background as a former Springbok Women’s player, and the incredible work she has put into growing the game at club level.
Bridging the Gender Gap in Elite Coaching
Hofmeester’s appointment comes on the heels of her participation in SA Rugby’s Women Coaches’ Transitioning Workshop—a specialized initiative designed to fast-track elite female coaches into high-performance pathways.
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer highly praised the appointment of Hofmeester and her all-women management cohort, noting that empowering female coaches at this level is a major pillar of their long-term strategic goals for the women’s game.
For the young women stepping up into the national school’s setup, they will be learning from one of the absolute best. Hofmeester will be joined on her management team by assistant coach Catherine Lowane and former provincial prop Albertus Buckle as a specialist scrum coach, while highly respected former SA Schools coach Katleho Lynch will come on board as a strategy mentor.
The Impact at UCT
For everyone involved with the Ikey Tigers, this appointment is further proof that our women’s program is operating at a truly elite level.
Hofmeester has been a cornerstone of UCT’s coaching setup, helping guide the Tigers through a massive milestone season that saw the club field a full 15s squad for the first time. Her philosophy has always been centered on breaking down barriers and making rugby accessible to anyone willing to lace up a pair of boots.
Now, she brings that exact same passion and vision to the national stage, where she will shape the next generation of future Springbok Women stars.
The entire UCT Rugby Football Club congratulates Coach Natasha on this well-deserved honour. We know you will fly the Ikey Tigers flag high as you guide this new team into an exciting new era!
#WomenInRugby #SASchools #NationalCoach
