Defending Dubai Rugby Sevens champions South Africa eye another triumph

South Africa, traditionally one of the strongest performers at the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, is eager for another win at the Tournament when the action kicks off at the Sevens Stadium next month.

The Blitzboks won 33-7 against Australia in the final last year in Dubai and finished second in the overall World Series standings last season behind  Fiji.

The team is looking strong and is aiming for a repeat of their victory in the first round of the  HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai.

With the 2016 Olympics on the horizon, Rugby World Cup Springboks Bryan Habana, Damian de Allende and Lwazi Mvovo are among a host of 15-a-side stars who will be in contention for places in South Africa’s Olympic Sevens squad.

South Africa Rugby Union also confirmed that Springboks Francois Hougaard and Ryan Kankowski had already signed contracts to play for the Springbok Sevens team this season.

Neil Powell, the Springbok Sevens coach said: “The Dubai Sevens is important because it’s the first tournament of the World Series and everybody wants to make a good start. We have a good record and have done well here in the past. However, each tournament is different and has its own challenges, so we will have to make sure we come thoroughly prepared and ready to give our best.

“The new expanded Series and the Olympic Games next year means that this is a crucial year, and whilst we acknowledge that, our focus will be very much to take it one tournament at a time. The atmosphere in Dubai is always great and we are looking forward to another exciting tournament.”

South Africa sevens training squad is as follows: Cecil Afrika, Tim Agaba, Ryno Benjamin, Kyle Brown, Branco du Preez, Carel du Preez, Damian de Allende, Stephan Dippenaar, Chris Dry, Juan de Jongh, Justin Geduld, Warrick Gelant, Lungelo Gosa, Bryan Habana, Cornal Hendricks, Francois Hougaard, Frankie Horne, Dewald Human, Ryan Kankowski, Werner Kok, Cheslin Kolbe, Jaco Kriel, Oupa Mohoje, Lwazi Mvovo, Sibahle Maxwane, Ruhan Nel, Sandile Ngcobo, Sphamandla Ngcobo, Seabelo Senatla, Philip Snyman, Kwagga Smith, Rosko Specman and Warren Whiteley.

Looking forward to another strong performance for the Springbok Sevens, Tournament Director, Jim Fitzsimons said: “The quality the team brings to the event is indisputable and they enjoy great support from the large South African community who go above and beyond to support their nation. We hope to see another outstanding performance from the team at the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens this year, and I am sure we won’t be disappointed.”

Tickets for the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens can be purchased online at www.dubairugby7s.com or at selected Costa, MMI, Go Sport and dnata outlets, Bidi Bondi, The Sevens Stadium and Park n Shop.

Visitors to the event also have the option of reserving their seats.

Reserved Seating, Premium Seating and Corporate Hospitality packages are also available through the official website.