The Blitzboks are entering the final phase of their preparations for the 2027 HSBC SVNS season, with head coach Philip Snyman determined to build on the team’s remarkable success last season.
South Africa’s rugby sevens side will begin their title defence in Dubai later this month before returning home for the highly anticipated HSBC SVNS Cape Town tournament.
The opening tournament will take place at The Sevens on 28 and 29 November, with the Cape Town leg scheduled for the following week.
The Blitzboks will travel to Dubai on Monday, 23 November, while Snyman is expected to announce his final 13-player squad for the opening tournament next Friday.
Philip Snyman Targets Another Successful Blitzboks Campaign
South Africa enjoyed an outstanding 2026 campaign, winning both the HSBC SVNS Series and the World Championship title.
With expectations rising, Snyman is already working to ensure his team remains competitive while developing additional options for the future.
The coach has retained most of the players who contributed to last season’s success, although several familiar faces will be unavailable for the opening tournament.
Mfundo Ndhlovu and Donavan Don have moved on to opportunities in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, while Impi Visser, Zander Reynders, Jayden Nell and Shilton van Wyk are undergoing rehabilitation and will miss the Dubai tournament.
Despite these setbacks, Snyman remains encouraged by the quality of players available at the Stellenbosch training camp.
Olympic Qualification Shapes South Africa’s Plans
Although defending their titles remains a major priority, the Blitzboks also have an important long-term objective.
Qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games will be determined by the final standings of the 2027 World Championship tournaments, making the upcoming season particularly important.
Snyman explained that South Africa intends to use the first six tournaments of the HSBC SVNS series to strengthen squad depth and develop reliable alternatives in key positions.
He also confirmed that several promising young players have been invited to train alongside the established group.
These include former Junior Springboks and standout performers from the FNB Varsity Cup, as well as franchise players such as JC Mars from the DHL Stormers.
Snyman believes introducing fresh talent will help maintain competition within the squad while preparing the team for the challenges ahead.
Snyman Impressed by Competition Within the Squad
The Blitzboks coach is pleased with the attitude and commitment displayed by the players during preparations.
According to Snyman, established internationals are continuing to push themselves, while younger players are working hard to earn permanent places in the national setup.
He believes this competitive environment is essential to maintaining South Africa’s standards.
The extended training group will eventually be divided into two squads, with one preparing for the HSBC SVNS competition and the other participating in the International Invitational Tournament in Dubai.
The invitational event will provide valuable international experience for emerging players, allowing them to experience the demands of tournament rugby against overseas opposition.
Blitzboks Extended Training Squad
The following players have been included in Snyman’s extended training group:
Experienced Blitzboks: Christie Grobbelaar, Ryan Oosthuizen, Impi Visser, Zain Davids, Ricardo Duarttee, Quewin Nortje, Ronald Brown, Selvyn Davids, Nabo Sokoyi, Dewald Human, Siviwe Soyizwapi, Shilton van Wyk, David Brits, Grant de Jager, Sebastiaan Jobb, Zander Reynders, Tristan Leyds and Gino Cupido.
Emerging and additional players: Rowan Malgas, Aaron Swartz, Tiaan Fourie, Juan Smith, JC Mars, Marnus Potgieter, Zack von Wielligh, Leachim Adams, Gregan Kerneels, Siya Ndlozi, Kruger van Reenen, Quintin Potgieter, Luan Williams, Jean-Henri Smit, Chijindu Okonta, Lizwe Mtetwa, Ceano Everson, Christiaan Potgieter, Samuel Badenhorst and Jack Benade.
With the Dubai opener approaching and Cape Town waiting just around the corner, the Blitzboks are determined to begin their title defence strongly while building a squad capable of delivering another successful season.
