GARY GOLD

Gary Michael Gold, a seasoned rugby coach and leader, served as the Springbok Assistant Coach from 2008 to 2011 under the guidance of Peter de Villiers. During this pivotal time, he played a significant role within the coaching staff, contributing to the team's remarkable achievements, including winning the Vodacom Tri-Nations in 2009 and triumphing over the British & Irish Lions. The Springboks celebrated an extraordinary year, defeating the All Blacks three times consecutively and earning the prestigious title of IRB Team of the Year while securing the coveted Number 1 ranking in the world. Gold's keen understanding of team dynamics was instrumental in fostering an environment where players could thrive and perform consistently.

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Gold's journey with the Springboks began in 2004, when he was invited by Jake White to join the setup in a technical capacity. There, he successfully implemented and refined the rush defense system, a strategy he had developed and honed while serving as Head Coach for the Premiership side London Irish for four years.

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In 2012, Gold returned to Premiership Rugby, taking the helm at Newcastle RFC during a tense relegation battle. Under his leadership, the team secured 8 victories in their final 12 matches, narrowly missing salvation by just one point in a gripping season finale. His expertise caught the attention of Bath Rugby, which welcomed him as Director of Rugby and Head Coach. During his 22-month tenure, Gold focused on recruitment and cultivating a winning team culture, propelling Bath into contention. By the time he departed, 12 Bath players were called up for England duty during the 2014 Six Nations, and the team boasted an impressive record, including a third-place standing in the Aviva Premiership and strong runs in both the LV Cup and Amlin European Challenge.

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Following Bath, Gold moved to Japan to coach Kobe Steelers under a three-year contract. However, after his first year, he was approached by former Springbok captain John Smit to take on the role of Director of Rugby for the Sharks Super Rugby team in Durban. Known for his analytical mindset and meticulous attention to detail, Gold is dedicated to achieving excellence in the demanding landscape of professional rugby.

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In 2017, Gold was appointed as the USA Rugby Men's XV Head Coach, spearheading the team's campaign leading up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. Under his guidance, the USA Men's XV clinched the America’s Rugby Championship, achieving an unprecedented clean sweep of victories—a first since the tournament's inception.

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After five years at the helm of the USA National Team, Gold returned to South Africa, where he was invited by Jake White to join the Bulls as a senior coach. Charged with overseeing the team’s defense, Gold played a crucial role in their resurgence, helping them secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the Investec Champions Cup and positioning the Bulls for success in the Vodacom URC.

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Through his journey, Gary has remained steadfast in his belief that true coaching transcends the game, focusing on the holistic development of players both on and off the field. He champions the interconnectedness of sport and business, recognizing how victories resonate deeply within the South African spirit. With a wealth of experience at the highest levels of rugby, Gary Gold stands as an inspirational leader and accomplished motivational speaker, dedicated to empowering others to reach their fullest potential.