One of rugby sevens' greatest players, Springbok Fabian Juries, is set to return to the IRB Sevens World Series circuit at the London Sevens this weekend – he chats exclusively to UR7s partner, ruggavibe.com, about being back with the Blitzboks!

Currently third on the all time try-scorers list with 173 touchdowns in 42 tournaments, Juries brings with him back to the squad some fantastic experience, electric speed and one hell of a sidestep!

The 31 year-old has been a part of the Stormers squad so far this season, playing for Western Province in the Vodacom Cup when not travelling with the Super 14 side, but rejoined Paul Treu’s training squad in Stellenbosch a couple of weeks ago.

His return, along with that of a couple of other big names, suddenly has the Springboks looking like a real threat heading into the final two tournaments of the season.

Speaking to ruggavibe.com, Juries said he was excited to be back in the sevens mix once again but admitted that the different training style was quickly getting him into top shape!

"The training is obviously very different to the 15 man training so I've enjoyed getting back into it – I haven't played sevens for almost two years now!" said the former Cheetahs flyer.

“It's great to be back”

"I didn't have any real game time in the Super 14 and I think I’ve only played about 12 games this year so I really was excited to get a bit of game time and get sharp again – Sevens is definitely the best recipe for that."

And the mood in the camp at the moment? Are the lads up for it?

"The boys are really upbeat ahead of these two tournaments (in London and Edinburgh)," he explained.

"We haven't really performed as well as we should have so far this season but now we've got a lot of guys coming back from injury and we're really looking forward to doing well.

"It is also obviously great preparation for the Commonwealth games later this year."

Finally, while we had a sevens legend sitting in front of us, it seemed crazy not to ask him exactly what he believes it is that separates an average player from a world class player in sevens? Speed? Agility? Vision? What makes the difference at the top level?

Well, according to one of the games best, it's the hard yards which ultimately set the best apart from the rest. When you're at the top level everyone has the ability - it's those who go the extra mile which you will remember.

"I think it all comes down to hard work. The (sevens) circuit is pretty hard at the moment and it is just getting harder – guys are getting bigger, stronger and faster

"It takes dedication – your lifestyle changes so much, even just from 15s to 7s… it demands a lot of you to be the best."

Peter Murison (Online Editor ruggavibe.com)

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Be sure to check out www.ruggavibe.com for all the latest news, rumours, interviews and expert opinion from all over the rugby world from June 1st 2010.

Teaming up with Ultimate Rugby Sevens, ruggavibe will also be doing their bit to promote the great work being done by Sevens tournament organisers around the world and continue to help grow and develop the beautiful game of Rugby Sevens.