Lappies Labuschagné Joins Grey College Coaching Staff After Retiring From Professional Rugby
- Former Japan captain Lappies Labuschagné has taken up a coaching role at Grey College in Bloemfontein
- The 37-year-old is part of a broader set of coaching appointments made under the school's new director of rugby
- Former Portugal forward Nelio de Sa and Shimlas assistant coach Chase Morison also joined the Grey College setup
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Lappies Labuschagné, who captained Japan's national rugby team, has taken up a coaching position at Grey College following his retirement from professional rugby earlier in 2026.
The 37-year-old has been appointed as the defence coach for Grey College's U15 side, one of several new appointments made under Wessel du Plessis, who has taken charge as the school's new director of rugby.
Grey College reshapes U15 coaching structure
Labuschagné is not the only notable addition to the Bloemfontein school's coaching ranks. Nelio de Sa, a former forward who represented Portugal at international level, and Chase Morison, previously an assistant coach at Shimlas, have both been brought in to work with Grey College's U15 teams.
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The appointments signal a deliberate effort by du Plessis to strengthen the school's development structures at youth level. Grey College is widely regarded as one of South Africa's most prestigious rugby institutions, consistently producing players who go on to represent provincial and national teams.
Labuschagné steps into school rugby
Labuschagné built his international career representing Japan, earning recognition as one of the more prominent foreign-born players to lead a Tier 2 rugby nation. His transition into schoolboy coaching marks a new chapter after stepping away from the professional game.
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His role focusing on defence at U15 level places him at a critical stage of player development, where tactical foundations are typically established for young rugby players progressing through the system.
Source: Briefly News
