• • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • Technorati
  • Reddit
  • Stumble Upon
  • Furl

The Springbok Sevens squad travel on Monday to Kaohsiung in Taiwan where they will represent their country at the World Games from 16 - 26 July.

The Games traditionally feature sports that are not contested at the Olympic Games.

Springbok Sevens coach, Paul Treu, has selected a strong squad, all of whom were part of the 2008/ 2009 IRB Sevens World Series-winning combination. The SA team will again be led by inspirational skipper Mzwandile Stick with big name players such as Mpho Mbiyozo, Ryno Benjamin, Gio Aplon and Renfred Dazel in the side.

One obvious name missing is that of Vuyo Zangqa, one of the stars of last season, who is recuperating at his home in East London after undergoing surgery following a car accident in Gauteng a few weeks ago.

“Vuyo’s accident is a massive setback, not only for Paul and the Sevens team, but for everyone involved in SA Rugby. He is in our thoughts and prayers.

“From our side, we will assist Vuyo in any way possible to ensure a full and speedy recovery. We are glad his eye could be saved and would be monitoring his progress. Hopefully he will regain full sight in the eye again.”

The team has spent the past few weeks preparing for the Games at its training camp in Stellenbosch. Treu said his players are looking forward to the challenge in Taiwan.

The South Africans are drawn in Group A with the United States, Portugal and Chinese Taipei while Group B will be headed by Fiji and also includes Hong Kong, Japan and Argentina.

South Africa squad for World Games: Mpho Mbiyozo, Neil Powell, Frankie Horne, Cecil Afrika, Marius Schoeman, Kyle Brown, Renfred Dazel, Ryno Benjamin, Philip Snyman, Mzwandile Stick (captain), Gio Aplon, Chase Minnaar.