Snyman names 'really strong' Blitzboks squad for Olympic Games

JOHANNESBURG - One of South Africa's strongest medal prospects at the Olympic Games, the Springbok Sevens rugby, named their squad to compete in Paris.

Coach Philip Snyman has chosen six players with previous experience at the Olympics.

He's hoping his team will return with a medal in the sport for the first time since the bronze medal they won at the Rio Games in 2016.

Despite being the very last team to secure qualification for this year’s Olympics, SA Sevens interim coach, Snyman, still fancies the Blitboks’ chances in Paris.

Snyman was brought in to bring stability to the side after a string of inconsistent results this past season. Under his leadership, things have turned around and he thinks he’s found the winning formula with the squad he has at his disposal.

"Yeah, a really strong squad, and really [they have] all my trust and [I have] a lot of confidence in this group of players."

The Blitzboks have a tough assignment ahead of them as they face Ireland and New Zealand in the pool stages, both of whom finished above them in the Sevens Series standings, followed by their final game against Japan before the knockout stages.