New Springbok Sevens coach announcement 'later this week'

An announcement on Neil Powell's successor as Springbok Sevens coach is expected some time this week, SA Rugby confirmed.

Following the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town, Powell leaves the Blitzboks and moves to the Sharks where he will be their director of rugby.

There is no set day for the announcement, however, SA Rugby president Mark Alexander said: 

Moving on from the World Cup, the World Series calendar will spring back into action in November, with the successful Cape Town Sevens returning on the weekend of 9-11 December.

Powell revealed that he was asked for his opinion on the person who would take over the baton from him.

"I gave my opinion, but it's not a decision that lies with me. I think the successor is the right person for the job and can take the Blitzboks to the next level," he said.

READ | 'Paul built the car, Neil sent it for performance enhancements': Powell bows out a pantheon Sevens great

Sevens captain Siviwe Soiyizwapi emphatically shook his head on Sunday evening when it was put to him that the players have been informed who the next coach is.

"We really haven't been told," he said, adding that he's excited though, to work with the coach who will "take the baton and run with it".

The Blitzboks finished 7th at the World Cup after coming unstuck against Ireland and Argentina as questions over the format swirl.

Pacific Islanders Fiji downed New Zealand 29-12 in the men's final while Australia put on a show in beating New Zealand 24-22 in the women's final.