Former Springbok Bjorn Basson Speaks Out on Dale College Coaching Saga

• Basson’s account of what happened after his Dale College coaching interview has raised fresh questions about how the school handled the appointment
• The Old Dalian Union has weighed in on the recruitment dispute, with alumni pushing for Basson to be given a role in the school’s rugby programme
• The former Springbok has shifted his attention to community rugby, where he hopes to secure funding and give talented young players access to free coaching opportunities

Former Springbok winger Bjorn Basson has explained that an opportunity to return to Dale College Boys’ High School as first-team rugby coach ended when he received no feedback after his interview. The dispute has since drawn criticism from the Old Dalian Union, while another former pupil has taken the recruitment matter to his attorneys.

The controversy centres on a position at the historic Qonce school, where the appointment has raised questions among parents and alumni about how candidates were considered.

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Bjorn Basson details Dale College coaching experience

Basson, who earned 11 Springbok caps between 2010 and 2013, told Rugby365 on 7 October 2026 that Dale initially approached him about helping with its rugby programme. He agreed to participate in the formal recruitment process after being told the vacancy had to be advertised.

“I was told I would get the position but ended up not getting it. As things stand, nobody has contacted me or spoken to me about taking over,” Basson said.

Dale subsequently advertised the two-year fixed-term vacancy on 20 August, with applications closing on 3 September 2026.

Fellow Old Boy Bangi Kobese, who played semi-professional rugby and was part of the school’s coaching staff this year, applied but was not shortlisted. He told Rugby365 he had handed the matter to his attorneys.

Old Dalian Union questions recruitment process

The Old Dalian Union has also challenged the appointment of a new history teacher to the coaching role. Former president Phiwe Ndinisa said the organisation wanted Basson involved, pointing to the former international’s willingness to return and contribute to the school community.

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“I don’t recall the last time we had a former Springbok player eager to come back and give back to the community,” Ndinisa said.

Dale’s director of sports, Lukhanyo Tshongweni, declined to comment. Governing body chairperson Leon Nkwenkwe said the matter was ongoing.

Basson turns attention to young rugby players

Basson said he had moved on and was concentrating on his foundation, rugby clinics and efforts to secure funding for free coaching. He is also assisting at Buffs Rugby Club.

The dispute comes amid separate governance scrutiny at Dale. In March 2026, the Eastern Cape Department of Education suspended headmaster Craig Hatches pending an investigation into allegations of financial mismanagement. That investigation is separate from the coaching controversy.

For now, the recruitment concerns remain publicly unresolved, while Basson says community development is his priority.

Dale College parents consider legal action over rugby coach recruitment

Briefly News previously reported that parents at Dale College in Qonce challenged the school's first-team rugby coaching recruitment process, demanding answers from the governing body and threatening legal action if the school did not resolve their concerns.

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Former Border Bulldogs player Bangihlombe Kobese, who has been part of the school's coaching staff since 2023, was reportedly not shortlisted despite saying he met the advertised requirements.

Source: Briefly News