The South African Blitzboks men's sevens team arrives in Hong Kong aiming to end a long drought at the iconic tournament after recent World Series success. Coach Philip Snyman has rotated the squad amid injuries, while the promoted Springbok Women’s Sevens face a major injury crisis ahead of their debut there this season.
The Blitzboks head to the Hong Kong Sevens on 17-19 April with momentum from securing the 2025/26 HSBC SVNS World Series title, including a victory in New York. Despite four finals appearances—in 1997, 2008, 2009 and 2017—they have never won gold at the venue. "We are starting this championship at the same venue and with no log points," said Zain Davids, returning after rest. "What happened in the past counts for nothing."
Coach Philip Snyman made three changes to the squad: Quewin Nortje returns since May 2025 in Los Angeles, joined by rested Zain Davids and debutant Jayden Nell. They replace injured Christie Grobbelaar, Dewald Human and Gino Cupido. Skipper Impi Visser noted strong defence in New York, where Ryan Oosthuizen topped tackles with 16, but attack needs improvement. The team faces Uruguay, Spain and Argentina in Pool A.
"We believe we are the best team on the circuit, and as such we want to prove that by winning this weekend," Visser said.
The Springbok Women’s Sevens, promoted after the second division, join for the first time this season but lose five key players to injury, including skipper Nadine Roos with a season-ending knee injury. Roos led points with 61. Replacements include Zintle Mpupha, Eloise Webb, Jané Mulder and Owami Mohuli. They face Australia, Canada and Great Britain in Pool B.
