Izak Van Heerden

Izak van Heerden (August 1910 – June ) was a South African rugby union coach, and player, remembered for his successes with the Argentina national team and the Natal Province team for his unconventional, fast-moving style. His tactical innovations have had lasting influence on the game of rugby.

Biography Van Heerden was born in Utrecht, KwaZulu-Natal, in 1910. He returned to teaching and coaching after the War and was appointed coach of the Natal provincial team. Whatever Van Heerden had lacked in physical prowess in rugby, he made up for by his tactical brilliance.

Coaching Natal Van Heerden was known for arriving at Natal training sessions directly from school, often still dressed in his school attire, which included glasses, a tweed jacket or dark suit, and a bow tie. This characteristic behavior was viewed favorably by some observers and less positively by others. He was described as a large and physically imposing individual, with a manner noted for humor and wit, as well as a temper and a tendency to use strong language in both academic and sporting settings.

He was a successful coach and trained many prominent players. Amongst the South African players who passed through his hands were Tommy Bedford, Keith Oxlee, Trix Truter and Snowy Suter.

Van Heerden's masterpiece, Thinking Rugby, has become a coaching Bible around the world.

A rugby pitch at the school is named after him.