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Leyds named World Sevens Player of the Year as Blitzboks complete back-to-back SVNS titles
Tristan Leyds was named HSBC SVNS World Player of the Year on Sunday as the Blitzboks completed a back-to-back double of the SVNS World Championship and Series title, with Leyds crediting coach Philip Snyman's challenge to aim beyond being the circuit's best ten as the catalyst for his breakthrough season.
Leyds crowned Player of the Year as Blitzboks defend World Championship title
Tristan Leyds became the fourth South African to win the HSBC SVNS Player of the Year award as the Blitzboks successfully defended their World Championship crown and secured a unique double in 2026. The South Africans won five of nine tournaments and played in six finals, amassing 37 victories across the season. Head coach Philip Snyman praised the system and culture underpinning the team's dominance, whilst SA Rugby president Mark Alexander hailed the back-to-back triumph as a celebration of national determination.
Blitzboks complete historic double as Snyman hails players and system
The Blitzboks have completed a season double by defending the HSBC SVNS World Championship title in Bordeaux while also claiming the HSBC SVNS Series, with coach Philip Snyman crediting the depth of the Springbok Sevens system and singling out Tristan Leyds — named Men's Player of the Year — and leading try-scorer Shilton van Wyk.
Leyds crowned SVNS Player of the Year as Blitzboks defend World Championship
Tristan Leyds is the 2026 HSBC SVNS Player of the Year — the fourth South African to win the award — as the Blitzboks complete a historic back-to-back SVNS World Championship defence under Philip Snyman and Impi Visser. Shilton van Wyk, the squad's leading try scorer with 32 tries, also made the Dream Team of the Year.
France end Blitzboks' Bordeaux semifinal run as world champions
The Blitzboks lost 21-12 to hosts France in the Bordeaux Sevens semifinal on Sunday, setting up a third-place playoff against Spain — though the World Series title had already been clinched the previous day.
Blitzboks crowned World Championship winners after Australia's collapse against France
The Blitzboks claimed back-to-back HSBC World Championship titles after Australia's 26-0 quarterfinal loss to France ended the Aussies' hopes, while South Africa beat Fiji 14-12 in their own quarterfinal in Bordeaux.
Jobb try keeps Blitzboks' title hopes alive as Fiji rematch looms in Bordeaux quarters
Sebastian Jobb's late try earned the Blitzboks a crucial bonus point in a 15-12 pool defeat to Fiji in Bordeaux, securing a quarterfinal spot as lucky losers and an immediate rematch with Fiji on Saturday at 15h52, while effectively ending Argentina's Championship hopes and leaving Australia as the only realistic threat in the overall standings.
Blitzboks open Bordeaux Sevens campaign against Great Britain, Kenya and Fiji
The Blitzboks face Great Britain, Kenya and Fiji in pool play at the Bordeaux Sevens.
Blitzboks beat Kenya 26-5 to set up must-win Fiji clash at Bordeaux Sevens
The Blitzboks beat Kenya 26-5 at the Bordeaux Sevens, with Shilton van Wyk and Quewin Nortje each scoring two tries, setting up a must-win quarter-final qualification clash against Fiji on Saturday.
Blitzboks bounce back with 26-5 win over Kenya at Bordeaux Sevens
Shilton van Wyk and Quewin Nortje scored two tries each as the Blitzboks beat Kenya 26-5 at the Bordeaux Sevens, setting up a must-win clash with Fiji on Saturday.
Bordeaux finale: Blitzboks one final away from World Championship glory, SA Women fighting to avoid SVNS2
The Blitzboks enter the Bordeaux SVNS World Championship finale as four-point leaders, needing a final appearance to seal the title, while the Springbok Women face a tough survival battle in 10th place and Kenya are on the cusp of confirming their core series status.
Nell savours breakthrough Blitzboks season as title race reaches climax
Jayden Nell has reflected on a debut international season that saw the 22-year-old finally break into the Blitzboks side after three years of injury setbacks. The former Hoërskool Durbanville outside back scored his first try in last weekend's tense quarter-final victory over Spain in Valladolid as South Africa head to France this weekend leading the HSBC SVNS World Championship with one tournament remaining.
Nell savours breakthrough Blitzbok season as title bid reaches Bordeaux
Jayden Nell heads into the Bordeaux SVNS tournament — his fourth consecutive start this season — having scored his first Blitzbok try in Valladolid as South Africa carry the series lead into the final event. Donavan Don has joined the squad as cover for the injured Dewald Human.
Nell savours maiden Blitzbok season as squad targets SVNS title in Bordeaux
Jayden Nell is set for his fourth consecutive SVNS tournament appearance in Bordeaux this weekend, having scored his first Blitzbok try in last week's quarterfinal win over Spain. Donavan Don has joined the squad as cover for the injured Dewald Human, with South Africa leading the overall SVNS World Championship standings heading into the final tournament.
Blitzboks denied by TMO as Australia claim maiden HSBC World Championship title
Australia secured their first HSBC World Championship title with a 26-19 victory over the Blitzboks in Valladolid on Sunday, after a late South African try was ruled out for a forward pass. Despite the defeat, the Blitzboks retain their overall series lead with 38 points, four ahead of Argentina, heading into the final tournament in France.
Blitzboks denied dramatic draw as TMO rules out final try in Valladolid
South Africa suffered a heartbreaking 26-19 defeat to Australia in the HSBC World Championship final in Valladolid on Sunday after a last-gasp try was disallowed for a forward pass. Despite the loss, the Blitzboks maintain a four-point lead at the top of the overall standings heading into the final tournament in France.
Blitzboks denied dramatic draw as TMO rules out final-whistle try in Valladolid
Australia claimed their first HSBC World Championship title with a 26-19 victory over the Blitzboks in Valladolid on Sunday after a television match official disallowed a South African try scored after the final whistle. The cancelled score, ruled out for a forward pass from Gino Cupido, would have levelled the match and sent it to extra time.
Blitzboks lose Valladolid final to Australia but hold World Series lead ahead of Bordeaux decider
The Blitzboks lost the Valladolid SVNS final 26-19 to Australia, a TMO ruling denying them a late equaliser, but remain four points clear at the top of the World Championship standings ahead of the season-ending tournament in Bordeaux.
TMO denies Blitzboks in dramatic World Championship final as Australia claim title
Australia beat the Blitzboks 26-19 in the HSBC World Championship final in Valladolid after a TMO disallowed a last-gasp Cupido try for a forward pass. The Blitzboks remain top of the overall standings with one tournament left in France. The Springbok Women's Sevens finished ninth.
Blitzboks beat Argentina to reach Valladolid final against Australia
The Blitzboks beat Argentina 19-7 in the Valladolid semifinal and will face Australia in the HSBC Sevens World Championship final, seeking revenge for an earlier pool defeat.