Soyizwapi returns to captain Blitzboks as snyman names uncapped duo for Singapore

Springbok Sevens head coach Philip Snyman has named a 14-man travelling group for next weekend’s HSBC SVNS Singapore, featuring two uncapped players and the return of the squad’s most experienced member.

Luan Giliomee and Ronaldo Young are in line to earn their first caps at the Singapore National Stadium. Additionally, Sebastiaan Jobb returns to the mix, having last featured for the Blitzboks in Singapore in April last year.

LEADERSHIP AND ROTATION
Siviwe Soyizwapi makes a highly anticipated return to the squad, having last represented the team at the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Los Angeles in May last year. He will take over the captaincy for this trip—which also includes HSBC SVNS Perth in early February—as Impi Visser is rested.

Coach Snyman noted that selection was influenced by injuries, planned rotation, and the long-term goal of building depth toward the 2028 Olympic Games.

"All the senior guys will get some rest before the three World Championship tournaments," said Snyman. "Impi’s workload in Dubai and Cape Town was huge, so we decided to give him a break. The decision was made easier with Siviwe being fit again, so he will replace him in the forwards and take over the captaincy for this trip as well."

INJURY UPDATES AND NEW TALENT
The backline has seen several changes due to injuries to key playmakers. Ronald Brown, Selvyn Davids, and Dewald Human were unavailable for selection following the Cape Town tournament in December.

PERSONNEL CHANGES:

Luan Giliomee: Will slot into the playmaker position. He previously represented South Africa at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games and toured with the SA U19 Academy.

Ronaldo Young: Joins the squad on a dual contract after playing for the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers.

Sebastiaan Jobb: Expected to add "spark" to the outside backs.

Note: Quewin Nortje (recovering) and Gino Cupido (recent setback) were not considered for selection.

"Renaldo has been training very well since he joined us and did really well for the SA ‘A’-side in Dubai last year – I am excited to see what he can do," Snyman added.

"Sebastiaan is also back and looked really sharp in training. All three are part of the depth building system we are busy with as 2028 approaches."

The squad departs for Singapore on Monday. Snyman will make a final call on the 13 players for the tournament starting next Friday.