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In the third episode of Know Your Coach, MW Welman sat down with one of South African rugby’s most thoughtful young minds — Phiwe Nomlomo, the new head coach of the Vodacom Bulls Currie Cup side.
From a primary schoolboy tagging along with a friend to rugby practice, to leading one of the most prestigious provincial teams in the country, Nomlomo’s journey is anything but ordinary. But it’s his humility, clarity of purpose, and fierce loyalty to his players and principles that set him apart.
Here’s what we learnt from an honest, insightful conversation with the man tasked with steering the Bulls through this year’s Currie Cup — and building much more than just a rugby team in Pretoria.
From East London to Loftus
Nomlomo’s first taste of rugby wasn’t fuelled by dreams of glory — it was simply a way to hang out with a friend. That casual start blossomed into a provincial playing career with Border and sevens rugby, followed by teaching and coaching stints that led to national honours.
It wasn’t like I was chasing this thing… everything else that happened past it was just a gift.”
It was coaching SA Schools that hinted at his elite potential. Still, Phiwe remained grounded — until two pivotal phone calls changed everything. One from Robbie Kempson brought him to Eastern Province. The second, from Jake White and Edgar Rathbone, brought him to Pretoria.
And ironically, it was love — not ambition — that truly paved the path north.
We got married, and just days later, my wife got a job offer in Jozi she couldn’t turn down. I ended up resigning… with no job lined up. But then, another call came. I’m forever grateful.”
Coaching Philosophy: Be Yourself, Always
Nomlomo’s coaching philosophy is built on simplicity and authenticity.
I’m myself all the time. It’s the easiest way for people to trust you.”
Whether coaching Under-15Bs or heading up the Bulls Currie Cup squad, he hasn’t changed. There’s no “coach persona” — what you see is what you get.
And while he’s mindful that different players need different approaches, the team culture rests on one unshakeable value:
Do the right thing. All the time. From picking up your dish after breakfast to how you carry yourself on the pitch.”
This kind of environment, according to Nomlomo, fosters discipline without rigidity — and paves the way for better rugby.
From Water Carrier to Head Coach
Nomlomo played a critical supporting role during the Bulls’ URC campaign, handling breakdowns and collisions — and often seen sprinting onto the pitch with messages and water.
Now, in charge of the Currie Cup team, he hasn’t changed his tone or leadership style. That consistency, he says, helps players respond with trust.
There must be a relationship before anything else. That’s what matters.”
Squad Structure: Youth and Opportunity
The Bulls’ 38-man Currie Cup squad is a blend of promise and pragmatism. Nomlomo confirmed that around 50% are Under-21 players, a product of managing workloads post-URC and ensuring top players get proper recovery.
It’s not about names — it’s about opportunity. Some senior guys are protected for the URC pre-season.”
This tournament is now a stage for future stars, and Nomlomo sees its purpose as vital:
The Currie Cup serves a different purpose now. It hasn’t lost value — it’s just evolved.”
Attack, Defence & Transition Play
Nomlomo’s coaching team includes familiar names like Kennedy Tsimba, Werner Kruger, and exciting additions such as Josh Strauss and James Winstanley — the latter taking charge of the team’s attack.
James brings great insight, especially from his SA Schools background. He’ll lead our attack this season.”
Phiwe himself will head up the defence, especially important as the Bulls transition from a URC-focused strategy into the Currie Cup’s unique rhythm.
And that rhythm is different.
Currie Cup has its own brand. A bit more free-flowing. High transition. Space. Less structure.”
He’s inspired by football (soccer), particularly in how teams manage transitions between defence and attack.
I love football coaches — their tactical appreciation. We’ve borrowed a lot from that.”
The Bulls Style: Structure Meets Freedom
The Bulls under Nomlomo aren’t abandoning their power game — but they’re embracing the chaos and pace of Currie Cup rugby too.
We saw high scores last season. It’s not defence-optional — it’s adaptation. The teams that adapted best, like the Lions and the Sharks, succeeded.”
Expect the Bulls to strike a balance: retain dominance up front (Kruger’s scrum work remains essential) while unleashing an exciting, youthful backline nurtured by Tsimba and Winstanley.
Week-by-Week Mentality
For Nomlomo, success isn’t framed by titles or finals. It’s about winning the moment in front of you.
We’ve not spoken once about the campaign as a whole. Just Western Province. That’s all we’re thinking about.”
A good start, he says, will shape the entire tournament. Especially after last year’s semi-final heartbreak.
We were close last year. But now it’s about being better from the start.”
Challenges: Weather, Rest, and Player Welfare
With a wet forecast for the opening clash against WP, the Bulls are prepping for a grind. But Nomlomo is also concerned about the toll a congested calendar takes on players.
Some players have done 48 weeks, three weeks rest, and start again. Niggles become big injuries.”
He supports the current Currie Cup timing and warns against overlap with URC.
You can’t have double-round Currie Cup overlapping URC. There’s just not enough bodies.”
Phiwe Nomlomo The Role of Currie Cup in SA Rugby
Despite frequent questions about its relevance, Nomlomo remains firm: the Currie Cup still matters.
It’s not the old Currie Cup. But it still has huge purpose. Canon, Jan-Hendrik, Cobus… they all came through here.”
He sees it as a vital bridge — a place for young players to learn, and fringe URC players to find form and match fitness.
Looking Ahead: Johan Ackermann’s Arrival
New Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann will take over URC duties from Monday, and Nomlomo is eager to learn.
I’ve never worked with Akkers before. But I’ve heard great things. I’m excited to see what he brings.”
It marks another chapter of growth for Nomlomo — one more step in what has already been a unique and inspirational coaching journey.
Message to the Bulls Faithful
“Be louder. Louder in support, louder in frustration. Because that shows you care.”
It’s a bold invitation to the Loftus crowd: come along for the journey, hold us to the standard — and we’ll do our best to honour the jersey.
FINAL WORD
Phiwe Nomlomo isn’t flashy. He doesn’t preach. He doesn’t pretend. And that’s exactly why he may be the perfect man to lead the Bulls’ Currie Cup side in a season full of change and opportunity.
His mix of humility, intellect, and old-school values — backed by modern tactical nous and a deep bench of young talent — make this team one to watch.
The Bulls start their Currie Cup campaign against Western Province this weekend. The squad may be youthful, the weather might be wet, but with Nomlomo at the helm, the vision is crystal clear.
