Springbok Sevens coach Paul Treu said on Tuesday his next mission will be to ensure his team develop into leaders in the world of Sevens Rugby.
The newly crowned 2008/2009 International Rugby Board (IRB) World Sevens Series champions arrived in Cape Town on Tuesday evening, following the weekend’s IRB Edinburgh Sevens Series tournament where the Boks claimed their first World Series title despite losing to Fiji 20-19 in Sunday night’s final.
The Springbok coach saluted the character of his squad’s performances this season and said he was positive of South Africa’s
future on the IRB Sevens circuit.
”I was surprised to hear a team such as New Zealand are planning to follow our example of contracting players. That’s definitely a feather in South African rugby’s cap,” said Treu.
”We have contracted a core group of players in this squad up until the 2010 season and while we may lose players from time to time, such as Robert Ebersohn, who is now with the South African Under-20 side, we still have a great foundation to work from and try and put in better performances next season.
”This has indeed been a golden year for South African rugby with the Vodacom Bulls winning the Vodacom Super 14 and us winning the IRB World Sevens Series, but hopefully next season, we as the Sevens team will make more finals and win more tournaments and in that way defend our title.”
Springbok Sevens captain Mzwandile Stick, echoed his coach’s sentiments and also thanked the loyal South African fans for their support throughout the season.
”I think our success will definitely have a huge impact on the growth of Sevens rugby in South Africa,” said Stick.
”We have probably the best support right across the world. At every IRB Sevens tournament, South Africans turns up in their numbers to support us.
”Let’s also not forget the great efforts from SA Rugby, our team sponsor Sasol and everyone who played a part in the success of our team.” — Sapa