Paul Delport steps down as Springbok Women's Sevens coach

Paul Delport has stepped down from his position of Springbok Women's Sevens coach.

Delport's last engagement with the team was last month's Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town, where the SA women finished 14th.

Delport, a former Blitzboks captain, took over as Springbok Women's Sevens coach in 2017. Apart from World Rugby Sevens Series events, the 37-year-old guided the team to two Rugby World Cup Sevens and two Commonwealth Games tournaments. Under his guidance, South Africa also won the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup three times.

"We want to thank Paul for his coaching tenure, he will be missed and hopefully he will not be lost to rugby completely," SA Rugby president Mark Alexander said in a statement.

"Paul has played a huge role in South African rugby, first as a player at age-group level - where he captained the SA Under-19 and Under-21 teams - and later as a Blitzbok player, where he was also captain of the national team.

"His coaching ability was soon recognised, hence his elevation to SA Rugby Sevens Academy coach and then the coach of our national women's sevens team. We want to thank him for his massive contribution in three different national set-ups. Not many can say that."

Delport handed in his resignation earlier this month and said he has no regrets.

"I had a wonderful time working with an amazing bunch of players," said Delport.

"It is a pity we could not quite complete our run to push for core status in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic, but that is life.

"I was privileged to coach some exceptional athletes, worked with great people and make friends all over the world. I wish the team all the best going forward and hope they get all the support needed to become a full-time professional set-up again."

SA Rugby