The former Toyota Cheetahs centre, David Brits, is relishing the opportunity to make his Springbok Sevens debut this weekend.

Brits is in Australia with the Blitzboks for the third leg of the Sevens World Series with it being the inaugural Perth Sevens.

Brits is one of two debutants in the squad along with Tristan Leyds, who is the younger brother of the La Rochelle and former Springbok outside back, Dillyn Leyds.

The 27-year-old Brits concedes it has been a tough journey to get to this point.

“This was my biggest challenge I had to overcome by far as a rugby player with a lot of up and downs,” said the Currie Cup winner.

“The pace is so much faster – not to even touch on the fitness you need to play at this level. And the decision-making when fatigued is very challenging.

“But I love challenges and now want to contribute to the guys who suffered with me and worked hard alongside me to be at our best for the weekend. I have a role to play in the team and that will be my focus.

“We have very fast and elusive players in the team and part of my job will be to create opportunities for them to use those skills. And of course, to make tackles and stop opponents.

“It is going to be a big moment for me this weekend, and I’m really looking forward to this.”

The Blitzboks will open their campaign in Perth when they tackle Canada at 6:44 on Friday morning.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport