Springbok Sevens head coach Philip Snyman congratulated all involved with the Blitzbok system after they secured a unique double in the 2026 season when they followed up their HSBC SVNS Series triumph by successfully defending their World Championship title.
The Blitzboks played in six finals out of nine tournaments, won five and on Sunday retained the HSBC SVNS World Championship title they won in Los Angeles last year.
The South Africans also won 37 matches, more than any other team this season, and for Snyman, those were the fruits of a harvest that is founded in hard work, positive work ethos and a buy-in of a shared culture of competitive excellence and honesty.
“I am so very, very proud of this team, and to win both the World Series and the World Championship is a special feat indeed,” said Snyman.
“The fact that we won the Hong Kong tournament for the first time was probably the highlight of the World Championship, and along with playing in the final last weekend, that laid the foundation for us to retain our World Championship status.
“We did not make it easy for ourselves this weekend; we didn’t play our best rugby here in France and at times we were our own worst enemies, but the hard work done earlier in the championship race laid the foundation. I am so happy and proud to be associated with this team and system.”
Snyman said everyone involved with the Springbok Sevens system can rightfully feel proud, despite a weekend where they did not sustain their winning momentum.
“I am humbled and proud to be part of this squad,” he said. “We did not always play our best rugby, but our effort could never be faulted.”
Snyman said Tristan Leyds was a worthy winner of the Men’s Player of the Year award: “He joined us over two years ago and has quickly grown into a senior player, someone who worked really hard to upskill himself to the demands of sevens rugby, while also remained a positive squad member.
“He is a worthy winner. I played with all three previous winners, Cecil Afrika, Werner Kok, and Seabelo Senatla, and coached Tristan. He is right up there with the best.”
Snyman also applauded leading try-scorer for the season, Shilton van Wyk, who also made the season’s Dream Team: “I am very happy for Shilton too, named alongside Tristan in the Dream Team. If I had my way, the seven players would all be from the Blitzboks, but then, I am biased after all,” Snyman smiled.
“Our aims and goals for the season are well known. We wanted to grow our depth, make every semi-final and start the momentum to make us the best system in the world.
“Fair to say we are not there yet, but we are going in the right direction, and for that I am very grateful. We introduced six or seven players to the World Series, and that will benefit us for the next season or two.
“It is great to have the backing of SA Rugby and the support we receive from South Africans is amazing. Most of our squad are contracted until 2028, and we are looking at bringing in a couple more talented players as we build towards the next Olympics.”