New coach for Glenwood’s Green Machine
Passionate about rugby, Rudi Dames is aiming to develop Glenwood's rugby talent.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2014/01/04lbcoach_567344819.jpg)
RUDI Dames, the newly appointed Glenwood 1st XV rugby coach, is no stranger to the Green Machine family.
Rudi has been assistant coach to the Glenwood 1st XV rugby squad since 2003. Rudi is passionate about the sport and as a schoolboy was fortunate to play SA Schools Rugby in 1999 and was chosen to play SA U19 the following year.
In 2000 Rudi joined the Potchefstroom University Rugby Institute and started studying towards a BComm Degree, but in 2002 was given the opportunity to play for the Sharks U21 squad and he decided to pursue his rugby career.
From 2004 to 2006 he played for the Wildebeeste. In 2006 he was part of the Sharks Currie Cup Squad and in 2007 was given the opportunity to play in Nice (France). On his return in mid-2008 he went on to play for Collegians, but due to many injuries he shifted his focus entirely to coaching. Currently he is busy with the IRB Level 3 course.
Rudi has had the opportunity to coach a range of teams. He has been coaching the KZN Academy team since 2009. In 2013 he was the assistant coach of the Sharks U21 team and has coached the Collegians U20 team for some time.
Besides his position as 1st XV Coach at Glenwood, Rudi wears different hats. He is also the director of the sports academy as well as being involved with the rugby side of the Elite Sports Academy.
Rudi is married to Anja who supports him in all his rugby endeavours and is always on the sidelines to support the Green Machine. Rudi and Anja recently became proud parents to daughter, Abigail.