Snyman banks on experience as Blitzboks eye 6th straight Dubai title success

Springbok Sevens coach Philip Snyman has named his first squad for the upcoming HSBC SVNS season, which will commence next weekend in the UAE.

The Blitzboks squad includes 10 players who have previously experienced victory at the Dubai Sevens.

Snyman, who has been appointed head coach until the end of the next Olympic Games cycle in 2028, also introduced newcomers Donovan Don, David Brits, and Tristan Leyds to the desert competition.

The remainder of the squad are seasoned players, accustomed to the tournament's intensity.

Impi Visser and Zain Davids will share the captaincy duties for the trip to Dubai.

READ | Philip Snyman named permanent Blitzboks coach until LA Games in 2028

Snyman expressed satisfaction with the team's preparations and with how the 17 players in the final training group took on the challenge to be selected.

"The guys really worked hard and made it difficult for me to select the final group," said Snyman.

"Players such as Mfundo Ndhlovu and Shaun Williams, who came back from injuries only a week ago, really made it difficult for me and another week of preparation could have changed my mind, but I am happy with the final group, their attitude and the experience in the squad.

"We have a good core of senior players and some exciting youngsters, who always bring energy to a group, so I am happy with this group. Part of the plan is to introduce new players during the season in order to build depth, something the Springboks are getting right at the moment, and we want to copy that principle.

"Apart from building depth in the squad, we are starting a new season with new goals. We want to take the ball wide a bit more and we are looking to defend better and differently in order to create some turn-over opportunities.