There is plenty of excitement in the camp, but the focus is firmly on ensuring the team is ready for what promises to be another demanding season on the global sevens circuit.

The Blitzboks will depart for Dubai on Monday, 23 November, ahead of the opening tournament of the 2027 series at The Sevens on 28 and 29 November. From there, attention will quickly turn to South Africa, with the popular Cape Town Sevens taking place just a week later.

Snyman will announce his 13-man travelling squad for Dubai next Friday. Until then, competition for places is expected to intensify as a sizeable training group continues to put in the hard yards at their Stellenbosch base.

Philip Snyman, Nabo Sokoyi, and Impi Visser - X

The extended group includes almost the entire squad that delivered a remarkable double by winning both the Sevens Series and World Championship titles in 2026.

However, there have been a few changes. Mfundo Ndhlovu and Donavan Don have moved on to United Rugby Championship opportunities, while injuries have ruled out Impi Visser, Zander Reynders, Jayden Nell and Shilton van Wyk for the opening tournament.

Snyman is also keen to continue introducing fresh talent into the Blitzboks environment. Having given six newcomers an opportunity during the previous campaign, the coach believes developing depth will be particularly important this season.

With Olympic qualification set to be determined by the final standings of the 2027 World Championship tournaments, the coaching staff have adjusted their approach to squad management.

“With Olympic Games qualification determined by the final placings of the 2027 World Championship tournaments, we will make sure we have our best team ready for those events. To do that, we will use the first six tournaments of the series to build depth and cover in certain crucial positions,” Snyman said.

Speaking after a demanding training session in the Stellenbosch heat on Tuesday, Snyman expressed satisfaction with the group's fitness and the enthusiasm shown by the newcomers.

Tiaan Fourie - Morgan Piek

“Most of our established group of players are fit and ready, apart from the four injured players, while we also invited some very exciting younger talents into camp.

“There are a number of players who played for the Junior Springboks over the last two years, while some standouts in the Varsity Cup were also drafted into this group. We also have some loan players from the franchises, such as JC Mars from the Stormers, who are training with us.”

The increased competition for places has created exactly the kind of environment Snyman wants, with established campaigners having to work just as hard as the newcomers.

Jean-Henri Smit - Sharks

“No one in the contracted group is resting on their laurels, while the new players are pushing hard for more permanent opportunities, and that delivers a very competitive environment,” he added.

The Blitzboks will also use the Dubai trip to provide valuable international exposure to their emerging talent.

Snyman plans to divide the extended group into two teams. One will focus on the SVNS tournament, while the other will compete in the International Invitational Tournament, which provides an opportunity for younger players to experience the demands of international tournament rugby.

The Blitzboks will have a target on their backs - SA Rugby

“We have seen in the past how important that tournament is for our younger group, as they also have international teams playing in that tournament. It also gives them a real feel of tournament play,” Snyman explained.

Some of the new faces in the extended squad includes the former Grey College captain Jean-Henri Smit, and scrumhalf Tiaan Fourie. Snyman himself is a product of the school, while Nabo Sokoyi himself matriculated at the famous rugby factory.

Springbok Sevens extended training squad: Christie Grobbelaar, Ryan Oosthuizen, Impi Visser, Zain Davids, Ricardo Duarttee, Quewin Nortjé, Ronald Brown, Selvyn Davids, Nabo Sokoyi, Dewald Human, Siviwe Soyizwapi, Shilton van Wyk, David Brits, Grant de Jager, Sebastiaan Jobb, Zander Reynders, Tristan Leyds, Gino Cupido (all capped Blitzboks), Rowan Malgas, Aaron Swartz, Tiaan Fourie, Juan Smith, JC Mars, Marnus Potgieter, Zack von Wielligh, Leachim Adams, Gregan Kerneels, Siya Ndlozi, Kruger van Reenen, Quintin Potgieter, Luan Williams, Jean-Henri Smit, Chijindu Okonta, Lizwe Mtetwa, Ceano Everson, Christiaan Potgieter, Samuel Badenhorst and Jack Benade

Morgan Piek OFM Sport