The King’s School Discovery educator resumes rugby career after signing with the Blue Bulls

A soft touch with those in her care, no prisoners are taken when crossing the whitewash.

Her learners may not be aware of it but their educator with the gentle demeanor is a fierce scrummaging machine. Tyler-Jane Coleman has returned to the provincial women’s rugby scene after spending two years away from the game. Raised in Durban where Tyler-Jane represented the Sharks, she has since answered the call of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union at the second time of asking.

Initially, a swimmer in school, Tyler-Jane left the pool and picked up the scrum cap, and has been packing down since 2014. A no-nonsense front-rower, she is comfortable at either loose or tight head but admits to preferring the loose head side of the scrum. “I just enjoy being physical,” laughed the lively educator. Due to time constraints, she was unable to accept an offer in 2021 but after being contacted again for the 2022 season, she could not say no.

The 23-year-old lives in Discovery but travels to Pretoria three times a week for training. No stranger to the big time, Tyler-Jane was part of the high-performance pathway to the Springbok Women’s team while at the Sharks, even captaining the junior national team in her debut against Zimbabwe. The Women’s Currie Cup is currently underway with Tyler-Jane and her Bulls teammates having recorded two wins from two attempts.

Her fearlessness on the pitch translates into a more measured channelling of her devotions in the classroom. “I have passion for working with children. The potential to change mindsets and to make an impact on a child’s life is an incredible privilege.” Noting the similarities, she stated, “What I realized from being a teacher of small kids is that you have to be a good listener. As in team sports, you gain knowledge and skills from those around you. If you enjoy teaching, any obstacle can be tackled.”

Keen to break down the stereotypes about feminine suitability for rugby, she challenges young girls to get involved. “Everyone should try the game. I hope parents allow their daughters to experience the game as I was lucky to have support and encouragement growing up,” she said, adding that more televised women’s matches, more local clubs investing in their women’s teams, and more schools exposing girls to rugby will be vital to growing the game. With the Women’s World Cup approaching in October, strong performances might evolve that northern baby blue into the green and gold.