Katleho Lynch is no stranger to those who follow schools rugby closely, the young coach has been a trailblazer in terms of his tactical nous and game management and many feel that the sky is the limit.

Currently the head coach of both SA Schools and St Johns College who certainly look like a program on the rise with two SA Schools internationals last year and massive improvements at youth level the storied journey of this fantastic coach seems to only be just beginning.

We decided it would be a great time to request an interview with Coach Lynch and find out about what makes him tick as well as his plans for the future.

What is your earliest rugby memory? 

Playing my first rugby game and scoring a try in that game is one memory that will stick with me for a very long time. I remember I was so nervous but just as excited at the same time.

Did you play at school? What position and perhaps give our readers an idea of your high school career.

I did play at school in teams that were very successful. I played 1st XV rugby as a wing for three seasons and scored 53 tries in that time period. School is where the passion all began with a coach. I will never forget Mr Brand who introduced me to the game.

What was your best rugby memory while at school?

Winning the Golden Lions final and hosting the Beeld Trophy was the highlight of my school career. That did not only bring the school together but the community.

Did you have aspirations to become a pro rugby player at the highest level? 

I did indeed at a time, a strong attribute of mine was speed and being able to finish. I thought that maybe there could be an opportunity for me. Sometimes then you just have to be honest and realise that you are not good enough. So I took up coaching and can confirm that I am way better at that!

When did you realize you wanted to get into coaching?

I was in my first year of studying and did some part time coaching. Being able to see the difference I had made to players in a short space of time gave me a lot of hope. I decided to learn more about the game, consult mentors and read up on the game to further my knowledge.

Describe your coaching journey so far.

I have coached at all levels starting from primary school to university students. My first coaching gig was at a school called Creston College, I then coached for a number of years at St Benedict’s College, a stint at Queen’s College and then St John’s College. I have coached at both the Johannesburg universities, UJ in the Varsity Cup Young guns and Wits University in the Varsity Cup. I have done some school provincial weeks as well and look forward to coaching at the Craven Week this year. From the start I always dreamt of coaching nationally and am privileged to have been given the opportunity.

You were named SA Schools coach last year, not many in the know were that surprised by your rise. What did it feel like to get that call?

It felt so comforting, knowing that there is no substitute for hard work and that it all paid off. My family were very supportive and proud of me and I dedicated that achievement to my late dad Terrance Lynch who always kept pushing me and encouraging me that one day I will wear that green blazer.

Were you able to choose your backroom staff or were they assigned to you? Describe your team and how they complimented you.

SA Rugby identify coaches and management. I must admit that you are working with some of the best in the country as everyone is so professional and the way things are run really keeps you on your toes. The team off the field were unbelievable human beings and on the field exceptional professionals, individually that’s how I strive to behave, that complemented well. Keeping the main thing the main thing is what kept us going.

In terms of selection, what was the process like and what made you choose the squad you did?

Selection is a long grueling process. We have to track players school games cut clips and develop profiles on those players. We have to keep close relationships with other coaches throughout the country as an extra eye and ear. There are a number of festivals and provincial weeks that need to be attended to confirm selection. Selection is a continuous process and making sure that you have covered all your basis. At the end of the day the cream always rises.

What is your coaching philosophy and what do you look for in young rugby players?

For me its simple: Kaizen which means always striving for continuous improvement. That is something I keep close to me in terms of improving my self as a coach, a leader, being technically better, understanding my EQ and how all of that assists me in becoming the best coach possible. What I look for in young players first is if they are good human beings I have quote that I have used ever since I started coaching which says (Good things happen to good people) your mannerisms and how you treat people off the field is key. On field its all about your fundamentals if you can execute the fundamental skills in your position it is easy to select you.

What are your long term goals as a coach?

I am not looking too far ahead. I am really enjoying the journey at St John’s College where the program is growing at a speedy pace. The numbers are growing in all age groups, we are producing provincial and national players and coaches, it’s just a matter of consistency and staying true to the vision. I must admit it would be special to coach at a rugby world cup and eventually win it.

Could we one day see Katleho Lynch coaching the Boks?

I see my career as journey. I have lots still to learn about the game and will continue to learn. For now it is all about controlling what I can control and that is staying ahead of the game, practicing my coaching and leadership as well as being patient. As I have been told don’t be in such a rush to reach a goal before you are ready. Put your heart into what you do, but don’t rush. Good things take time.