Springbok Sevens head coach Philip Snyman had to do with a candle and cupcake on his 38th birthday, but Blitzbok captain Selvyn Davids could celebrate his 31st in a more dramatic way, posing next to the other captains on the HSBC SVNS circuit at the new Kai Tak Stadium, where this weekend's Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens takes place.
They do not only share birthdays but also debut memories. Davids represented the Blitzboks for the first time in Hong Kong in 2017, while Snyman officially took over as national sevens head coach at the corresponding tournament last year.
Davids said it is hard to believe that he is back in the Far East as captain again, so many years after his debut.
“I did not think way back then that I will still be playing for the team and to top that, lead them here in Hong Kong as well as celebrating my birthday,” said Davids on Wednesday.
“Obviously, the ideal would have been to be with my loved ones back home, but the guys in this team are my second family, so I don't mind sharing this day with them either.
“To also represent the team at the captains’ photo was a bonus, especially in the new stadium. We are looking forward to playing here on the weekend.”
The Blitzboks never tasted a tournament victory at the previous venue, the Hong Kong Stadium, and Davids said they want to change that at Kai Tak Stadium.
“That is a definite goal for the squad, we want to be successful here in Hong Kong,” he said.
“We have won all around the world, but not here. This is such a prestigious event and we need to get that done and what better time to start here in the new stadium.
“We have shown consistent form this season, believe in each other and know what we can achieve so is going to have a real go at it.”
Davids, who was recently voted the 2024 Springbok Sevens Player of the Year, said he plans to continue playing for another couple of years, hoping to be in contention for the next Olympic Games, in 2028 in Los Angeles.
“I would really like to have another go at gold,” the 2024 bronze medallist said, “but there are a number of younger players that will be pushing for my spot. In fact, they are pushing already and keeping me on my toes.”