Springboks name new dietician after Zeenat Simjee exit

Over the last few years, Zeenat Simjee has served as the Springboks’ primary team dietician, but last year her role began to already shift to other assignments.

In the second half of last year, she confirmed on social media that she had chosen to “dedicate July and August to the Springboks Sevens, SA u18s and Springboks Women”, adding that “since 2019 that time was usually dedicated the Springboks”.

Not long after that she provided another update as she moved more permanently into a role with the Springbok Women’s team.

“At 21, I set a dream to work with the Springboks. Last year, my goals evolved,” she wrote on Instagram. “I work with several teams and I can’t be everywhere at once, but I’m committed to giving my all wherever I can—advocating for sports nutrition every step of the way.

“Right now, I’m really happy to be on this journey backing an incredible women’s team, sharing a passion for growth and excellence.”

Back in 2022, Simjee had become embroiled in an off-field saga when allegations arose to suggest she had been involved in an affair with Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies, but she denied these claims and continued to play a key role with the national team through to the successful 2023 World Cup.

Zeenat Simjee and long-serving physio Rene Naylor have left the Springboks

Towards the end of last year it was also confirmed that long-serving physiotherapist Rene Naylor would be leaving the national management team after 17 years.

“I’ve never been on a full time contract, so it’s always been a fixed term contract, and my contract ends this year and they were not going to renew it,” she explained at the time. “It gave me time to reflect, and I thought maybe this is the time for a reset and think about other roles I could possible play in sport and in rugby.”

Meanwhile, with Simjee transitioning into a more multi-faceted role in SA Rugby from last year, the Springboks have now confirmed a new appointment to their management team through to the next World Cup, with Robyn Moore set to be permanently appointed as team dietician from 1 April after working directly with the teams for the last few seasons.

In another appointment to the medical team, Lance Lemmetjies joins as one of two physiotherapists from June. He is currently the Bulls’ physiotherapist, but will rejoin the Springboks after spending time with the squad during the British & Irish Lions Series in 2021 and serving in the role during the South Africa ‘A’ tour in 2022.

Commenting on these appointments, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said: “Lance worked with us during the British & Irish Lions series and also with the SA ‘A’ team, and we are excited to welcome him to the team.”

The Bok coach spoke equally highly Moore: “Robyn is a highly qualified professional holding a Masters Degree from the University of Pretoria with graduate qualifications (BSc Dietetics) from the University of Stellenbosch.

“All three individuals are extremely hard workers, and they’ve worked with many of the players before, so we are confident they will slot in with ease.”

Management team:

Rassie Erasmus: Head Coach

Charles Wessels: General Manager

Tony Brown: Assistant Coach

Deon Davids: Assistant Coach

Jerry Flannery: Assistant Coach

Daan Human: Assistant Coach

Felix Jones: Assistant Coach

Mzwandile Stick: Assistant Coach

Duane Vermeulen: Mobi-Unit Coach

Andy Edwards: Head of Athletic Performance

Jaco Peyper: Laws and Discipline Advisor

Paddy Sullivan: Performance Analyst

Lindsay Weyer: Technical Analyst

Sebastian Prim: Sport Scientist

Dr Jerome Lehlogonolo Mampane: Team Doctor

Dr Anuerin Robyn: Physiotherapist

Lance Lemmetjies: Physiotherapist

JJ Fredericks: Logistics Manager

Zintsika Tashe: Operations Manager

Zeena Isaacs van Tonder: Media Manager

Robyn Moore: Dietician

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THESE LATEST APPOINTMENTS?

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