When the final whistle blew at the Stade de France in Saint Denis in Paris on 28 October 2023, confirming South Africa’s record-breaking fourth Rugby World Cup title, the cameras zoomed in on Siya Kolisi lifting the William Webb Ellis Cup—but just out of frame, standing quietly with his arms folded and a proud smile playing on his lips, was Mzwandile Stick. For those in the know, his presence there spoke volumes.
Since his appointment to the Springbok coaching setup in 2016, the former captain of the Blitzboks, who led the national Sevens team to their first World Series title in 2009, has played a defining role in South Africa’s meteoric rise on the global stage, culminating in back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles in 2019 and 2023.
While forward dominance has long been the pride of South African rugby, it’s the evolution of the backline once considered the team's Achilles’ heel —strategic, fearless, and aerially dominant—that now tells a new chapter of the Bok story. At the heart of this transformation? Mzwandile Stick. was the key in transforming the backline into a tactically astute force on the world stage.
Stick has now taken a bold new step in his career—partnering with Roc Nation Sports International (RNSI), a move that could catapult his influence even further, both within rugby and far beyond.
A coach with the soul of a player
Stick’s [or Coach Stokke as he is fondly known] rise in the coaching ranks is grounded in the fierce intensity and intelligence he brought to the sevens circuit as a captain. Those who played alongside him describe a leader with acute vision—always thinking two steps ahead, always turning instinct into impact. That same quality now defines his work with the Springbok backs.
Stick is more than just a coach—he's a rugby brain. His influence on our backline—especially around aerial skills, off-the-ball awareness, tactical kicking, and work-rate—has been game-changing. People often focus on the physical dominance of our team, but what Stick brings is precision and clarity to our back play.
Indeed, the evolution is stark. Under Stick’s mentorship, players like Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am didn’t just enter the Springbok system—they flourished. Mapimpi, the first South African to score a try in a World Cup final, credits Stick for helping him become a complete player.
Coach Stick changed the way I think about the game. He didn’t just teach me to chase kicks—he taught me how to read the game, how to position myself, how to trust my instincts.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi echoes the sentiment:
Coach Stick gives players belief. He takes time to work on the smallest details—positioning, decision-making, work rate without the ball. We used to rely on brute strength. Now we play with brains too, and that’s largely because of him.
Sevens Smarts, Test-Level Impact
Stick’s grounding in sevens—where space, speed, and decision-making are king—has left an indelible mark on South Africa’s 15s game. He’s introduced sevens-style awareness and agility into a traditionally forward-dominated system, creating a more balanced, unpredictable Bok outfit.
From the aerial dominance of Kolbe and Arendse to the structured chaos of Willie le Roux’s second-playmaker role, Stick’s fingerprints are evident. The Springbok backline, once deemed serviceable at best, now strikes with the kind of cohesion and adaptability that wins World Cups.
A New Chapter: Roc Nation and the Global Stage
This month, Stick made a bold, strategic career move—partnering with Roc Nation Sports International (RNSI), the sports management powerhouse that represents some of the world's most iconic athletes like Springboks Siya Kolisi, Cheslin Kolbe, Aphelele Fassi, Jordan Hendrikse, England’s Maro Itoje, star footballer Sadio Mané and cultural leaders, amongst many others
The partnership marks a new frontier for Stick, giving him a platform to elevate both his rugby career and his personal mission to inspire through sport.
For Stick, the move isn’t about branding and celebrity—it’s about bandwidth and amplifying purpose. RNSI will manage the commercial, strategic, and off-field aspects of his career, allowing him to focus on his core passion: coaching.
Coaching is what I live for. It's where my heart is, and I want to ensure that I can continue to give my all to the team. But I fully appreciate the value of having a strong team behind me, and feel it is the right time to take this step with Roc Nation Sports International.
In Roc Nation, Stick finds more than just commercial representation. He gains access to a platform that supports leadership, social impact, and the elevation of underrepresented voices—core tenets of Stick’s personal ethos. Known for his humility and work ethic, he’s never chased the spotlight but understands its power when used with intent.
Michael Yormark, President of Roc Nation Sports International, welcomed Stick with enthusiasm:
Mzwandile Stick is a remarkable individual, both as a coach and as a person. His passion, integrity, and commitment to making a difference align perfectly with our values. We’re so excited to see him become the first South African coach to join the Roc Fam.
We’re committed to supporting his coaching goals and broader ambitions, while facilitating opportunities that help him inspire and lead beyond the pitch.
More Than a Game
Stick’s journey—from humble beginnings in New Brighton in the Eastern Cape to two-time World Cup-winning coach—is not just a rugby story. It’s a South African story. A human story. His quiet presence on the sideline belies the depth of his impact—not only on the Springbok system, but on the players whose lives he has changed.
He’s spoken often of his desire to uplift, to empower young people through rugby, to show them what’s possible when hard work meets opportunity. With Roc Nation now amplifying his voice, that mission can grow.
I want to give back, not just to the players I coach but to the communities I come from. I’ve seen what rugby can do—it saved my life. I want to be part of using it to change others’ lives too.
Looking Ahead
As the Springboks build towards their next chapter under Rassie Erasmus and possibly toward a historic three-peat in 2027, Stick’s role remains pivotal. But beyond the touchline, his influence is expanding. With Roc Nation behind him and the world finally taking notice, Stick is poised to become one of the most significant figures in the global game—not just a coach, but a symbol of how rugby can evolve.
In the chaos of World Cup finals, there’s often a moment of stillness—a quiet before the celebrations erupt. Mzwandile Stick lives in those moments, doing the unseen work that turns teams into champions.
And now, the world is beginning to see it too.
