South Africa was crowned HSBC World Rugby Seven Series Champions as the 2016/17 series concluded with the final and tenth tournament of the World Series which ended with Scotland beating England 12-7 in the final, but it was South Africa who took top position.
A win for 5th place against Australia could not over shadow the team’s solid performance throughout the year that brought the Blitzboks ultimate glory. The squad reached all ten Cup quarterfinals, losing only two and winning all eight semifinals they were involved in, as well as five of the eight finals contested.
South Africa has won tournaments in Dubai, Wellington, Sydney, Las Vegas, and Paris – making them overall champions for the second time, the first being in 2008/09.
Springbok Sevens coach, Neil Powell said, “It was a pretty amazing season. To win five tournaments and play in eight finals was awesome. We have set high standards for ourselves, and although we only play to win, we are really pleased.”
Powell added, “It does reward the massive amount of work put in by the players, management, and other stakeholders such as our sponsors. It was really humbling to see the support at the airport and we really appreciate that.”
Blitzbok captain Philip Snyman felt it was one of the proudest days of his life.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“Every time we pull that jersey over our shoulders, we do so for us as a team, as a band of brothers, but also for everyone who supports us, in fact, for everyone in South Africa.[/perfectpullquote]
“We were pretty aware of the support we get whenever or wherever we play, so to be able to bring the trophy back is also the best way possible to say thank you, South Africa,” said Snyman.
Cecil Afrika the Springbok Sevens all-time points-scoring record holder said it was a dream come true.
“I have been around for almost ten years now and just missed out on the previous series win. Personally, I had to overcome a lot of things, including bad injuries, so this feels so good. It is indeed a dream come true for me.”
Featured photo: (Jordan Mansfield/RFU Collection via Getty Images)
