A Journey Forged in Grit
Bergh, a product of Wellington in the Western Cape, from playing Craven Week in his back yard to coaching Hugenote High School’s Rugby teams; his passion for the game was developed at the foot of Bainskloof. He carved out his own path, starting as a performance analysis at the Boland Cavaliers before gradually climbing the coaching ladder. His academic background from NWU, UNISA and World Rugby Level 3 accreditation built the theoretical base, but it was Bergh’s hands-on experience — from coaching school boys rugby to university teams — that forged his practical brilliance.
His career took a significant turn when he joined Griquas as a defence coach in 2012. Over the years, he became a familiar figure in Kimberley, spending time as an assistant coach and later finding immense success as head coach of Central University of Technology (Free State) in the Varsity Cup. In 2021, Bergh was appointed Griquas head coach, and with that, a new era began.
Breaking the Cycle of Almost
For decades, Griquas rugby had been steeped in a narrative of missed opportunities and “almosts.” In 2022, Bergh shattered that storyline. Under his guidance, Griquas reached their first Currie Cup final in 52 years, a feat few believed possible.
“I was sick and tired of talking about 1970,” Bergh told reporters after that historic semi-final victory over the Bulls. “Records are there to be broken.”
Though they ultimately lost to the Pumas in the final, it was clear: something special was happening in Kimberley.
A Coach of Character and Culture
Bergh isn’t just a strategist — he’s a builder of culture. Known for his calm demeanour, honesty, and ability to connect with players, he’s established a locker-room ethos grounded in belief, discipline, and growth.
He’s also unafraid to acknowledge tough truths. After the 2022 final, Bergh admitted his team may have suffered from “stage fright,” a moment of honesty that endeared him further to fans and players alike. His response? Not blame — but learning. Not retreat — but redirection.
His coaching philosophy emphasizes defence, set-piece strength, and intelligent attacking play. Yet at the heart of it all is development: Bergh has given young, unproven players their chance, often turning them into match-winners. “Griquas is a team where players can further their career, we are not a union for older players to come to end their career. We are always looking for younger players that have the potential to move on to play URC and potentially even Springboks. Even though we lose players to the bigger unions after each campaign, we rebuild with proper planning and move forward. Building on our successes.”
Eyes on the Future
In 2025, Griquas once again find themselves at the sharp end of competitions, competing in the SA Cup final and pushing for Currie Cup dominance. Bergh continues to blend experience with raw talent, creating a squad that thrives under pressure.
As Bergh himself says, “Big games bring out the best.” His leadership is proving just that.
Even though Griquas is a smaller union that does not have the same budget as the URC teams they are fierce competitors in South African Rugby.
With the build-up to Currie Cup well under way, Griquas have their eyes on getting to the final again this year and hopefully bringing the trophy home. “We are fighting to show that we are one of the best non-URC franchises in the country. If we as a team can play to our full potential there is no reason as to why we can’t win the trophy.”
“We are lucky to have such great sponsors behind our team, Suzuki as well as the other businesses that are backing us have made it easy to get the job done and create a team culture that we can be proud of.”
From the Shadows to Centre Stage
Pieter Bergh may not have worn the Springbok jersey, but his influence in South African rugby is undeniable. In a landscape often dominated by big names and big budgets, he has reminded the country what coaching looks like: patient, principled, and profoundly transformational.
As Griquas charge ahead, there’s no denying that Bergh’s quiet revolution is changing more than just results — it’s rewriting the legacy of a team, one disciplined step at a time.
To get to know Pieter Bergh and more about the 2025 Currie Cup strategy, player recruitment challenges, and the power of community in Kimberley. Watch Know Your Coach: The Rugby Minds Behind the Game!
Follow Pieter Bergh and the Griquas as they continue their 2025 Currie Cup campaign. For fixtures and updates, follow our social pages.
