Blitzboks Set Sights On Growth As 2026 Sevens Season Looms

The Blitzboks may be heading into the new HSBC SVNS World Series as reigning champions, but coach Philip Snyman has made one thing clear: the 2026 season is about far more than just defending a title.

Building For The Future

Snyman says the team’s approach is guided by long-term growth, with the ultimate target being the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Having medalled at previous Games as both a player and a coach, he knows how important it is to lay the groundwork now.

That means the Blitzboks will continue to blend experienced sevens stalwarts with new blood from the Varsity Cup and Junior Springbok ranks. Snyman highlighted players like Gino Cupido, a rare double world champion at both U20 and sevens level, alongside rising talents Siyabonga Ndlozi and Joel Leotlela. Rowan Malgas and Grant de Jager, who shone in the Varsity Cup, are also pushing into the professional fold.

“We are not just defending a trophy. We are building a system for the next four years,” Snyman explained.

Cape Town Sevens Returns

South African fans won’t have to wait long to see their heroes in action. The World Series calendar brings the tournament back to Cape Town’s DHL Stadium on 6 and 7 December. For many supporters, this event has become one of the highlights of Joburg and Cape Town’s festive season sporting calendar, with crowds draped in green and gold creating an atmosphere that rivals any in world sport.

Tickets are already on sale from R250 per day, and if last year’s electric vibe was anything to go by, seats will be snapped up quickly. On social media, fans have already been buzzing with calls to “paint the stadium green again” as they prepare for another carnival of rugby and music in the Mother City.

A Tough Road Ahead

The Blitzboks won’t have it easy. Traditional powerhouses Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia, along with Argentina and France, are all circling with intent. The women’s tournament will add another layer of excitement, with global heavyweights like Australia, Canada, and the USA joining the mix.

The new season format, featuring eight men’s and eight women’s teams across the first six tournaments, is expected to produce tighter competition and more drama.

Balancing Growth And Glory

Snyman insists that while results matter, nurturing talent remains the core mission. The integration of players from domestic competitions like the Currie Cup and URC shows how deeply the sevens system is tied to South Africa’s wider rugby ecosystem.

Cape Town will once again be the emotional heartbeat of the campaign, but the Blitzboks are playing a longer game. As Snyman puts it, “Doing well at home is important, but building a system that lasts is even more important.”

{Source:SABC Sports}

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