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Blitzboks Shape Title Defence With Development-First Plan for 2025–26 SVNS

Coach Philip Snyman frames the season as a stepping stone toward the 2028 Olympics.

Overview

  • World Rugby has confirmed the 2025–26 SVNS schedule, with the Blitzboks opening in Dubai on 29–30 November and defending their home crown in Cape Town on 6–7 December.
  • The early season will run under a new format featuring eight men’s and eight women’s teams for the first six tournaments before the playoffs expand the field.
  • Snyman says two training blocks remain before he finalises the squad for the campaign.
  • The selection plan blends an experienced core with Junior Springboks and Varsity Cup standouts, including Gino Cupido, Siyabonga Ndlozi, Joel Leotlela, Rowan Malgas and Grant de Jager.
  • Players returning from the Currie Cup will be reintegrated as available, with Christie Grobbelaar set to rejoin from the Sharks on 1 November.