Lappies Labuschagné Returns to Grey College as Coach

Lappies Labuschagné is going home. The former Cheetahs loose forward who went on to captain Japan has been appointed as defence coach for Grey College's U15 team in Bloemfontein, returning to the school that shaped him as a player.

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The appointment is one of several made by new Grey College director of rugby Wessel du Plessis, who has also brought in former Portugal forward Nelio de Sa and Shimlas assistant Chase Morison to round out the U15 coaching structure. It is a serious set of rugby minds assembled at junior level — and a clear statement of intent from one of South Africa's most storied rugby institutions.

Labuschagné, now 37, wrapped up a remarkable playing career earlier this year after a decade with Japanese club the Kubota Spears. He reached 100 appearances for the club in February before calling time on a journey that took him far from the highveld. He represented Japan in 19 Tests, captained the Brave Blossoms through the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and was still part of the squad for the 2023 tournament — a career arc few could have scripted when he first came through at Grey.

His professional journey started with the Cheetahs in 2011 before stints with the Bulls, the Sunwolves and the Shimlas — a CV that gives him both the Springbok franchise pedigree and the grassroots Free State connection to resonate with what Grey College stands for. That blend of elite experience and local roots is exactly what youth coaching at this level demands.

Grey College has produced Springboks across generations, and Labuschagné knows exactly what the programme means to the province. His task now is to pass that standard down the line — starting at U15, where habits and culture are built that last a career. Watch this space.