Coaching changes for Blitzboks, Springbok Women’s Sevens

Jan 3 • General News, Sevens Rugby • 3028 Views • Comments Off on Coaching changes for Blitzboks, Springbok Women’s Sevens

SA Rugby on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Renfred Dazel to the Springbok Sevens coaching staff and promoted Paul Delport into the position of Head Coach for the Springbok Women’s Sevens team.

Former Blitzbok stalwart Dazel, who coached the Springbok Women’s Sevens team since October 2013, joined Neil Powell as assistant coach for the Springbok Sevens as they started their preparations for the next two tournaments of the 2017/18 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Stellenbosch on Wednesday.

Delport, a former captain of the Blitzboks, has been elevated to the Women’s Sevens role after serving as SA Rugby Sevens Academy assistant coach in recent seasons.

In another coaching addition, Dr Warren Adams has been seconded from the Springbok management team to the position of Strength and Conditioning coach for the Springbok Sevens, which was left vacant by the departure of Allan Temple-Jones last year.

“These appointments will not only streamline our sevens operations, but will further strengthen the working relationships between our national sevens teams based in Stellenbosch,” said SA Rugby’s Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus.

“The Blitzboks have a full season ahead of them, with not only eight tournaments left in the World Series, but also a Commonwealth Games and Rugby Sevens World Cup on the horizon, so it was important to strengthen the management structures.

“Neil requested the appointment of an assistant coach a while ago and he and Renfred enjoyed a solid relationship over many years, so it will be an easy fit. Warren is very highly rated in his field and has worked with the sevens team before, so is ideally suited to fill the vacancy left by Allan.”

Erasmus said the elevation of Delport is well-deserved for the former Blitzbok captain: “Paul has done really good work with the SA Rugby Sevens Academy team and has grown tremendously as a coach over the last couple of years.

“He has worked with the Springbok Women’s Sevens before, so there is no issue with continuity in their set-up. They are playing at a tournament in Australia early next month and will also be in action at the Commonwealth Games and Rugby Sevens World Cup later this year, so Paul will be busy in the next couple of months.

“The other important factor in all these appointments is the fact that they all are familiar with the structures and values associated with the sevens culture,” added Erasmus.

The Blitzboks will travel to Australia later this month for the HSBC Sydney Sevens, the third tournament in the World Series.