The making of Gino Cupido: A rising star in South African rugby

The South African

14 hours ago

In a candid conversation, Gino Cupido opens up about his upbringing, his sporting achievements, and the passions that fuel his drive.
Gino Cupido has quickly risen through the ranks of South African rugby. Known for his explosive speed and versatility, he made his mark as a standout age-grade player for Western Province, the Junior Springboks, and more recently, the Blitzboks.
After debuting for the national sevens team at the 2025 Hong Kong Sevens, Cupido has already proven himself as one of South Africa's most promising young talents.
But behind the rapid rise is a young man grounded in faith, community, humility — and a deep understanding that the road from a small village to the world stage is paved with far more than talent alone.
The 19-year-old hails from Sir Lowry's Pass Village, a tight-knit coloured community tucked between Somerset West and Grabouw, and like so many others, is often forgotten in South Africa's rugby landscape.
'People think I'm from the Strand, but I'm actually from the Sir Lowry's. Our community club Sir Lowrians RFC is where it all started for me. And there are many other excellent players, just like me, at the club, who fall through the cracks because of lack of opportunities.'
Growing up, Cupido never imagined becoming one of South Africa's most talked-about rugby prodigies and he is adamant what he represents is far bigger than personal success, it's pride for a community and hope for those who come from the same streets.
'It's a big deal, especially from our community. It's special to make my parents and our small town proud. I thank them for everything. Without them, I wouldn't be here.'
From Hoërskool Strand, where he captained teams and sprinted on the athletics track, Cupido progressed through the Western Province age-group systems, starred at the 2022 Craven Week, and then burst onto the national radar in 2023 at the Commonwealth Youth Games and the U18 International Series – scoring tries, winning medals, and standing tall against top opposition.
Then came 2024, and with it his senior Currie Cup debut for Western Province. Still a teenager, Cupido showed his quality in matches against seasoned opponents, gaining invaluable experience. He then earned a call-up to the Junior Boks U20 squad and later a place in the South Africa 'A' sevens squad for Dubai Invitational.
But it was his 2025 Blitzboks debut that truly made headlines. Named in the squad for the Hong Kong Sevens, coach Philip Snyman called him an 'unknown quantity with great potential.' Within minutes of his debut, Cupido silenced any doubts, sprinting 95 metres to score a stunning try against Uruguay. He added three more in the tournament before injury briefly sidelined him.
'After I scored that first try, I kept watching the video on my phone, asking myself, 'Is that really me?' It's a moment I'll never forget,' he reflects.
More recently, he starred for the Junior Boks in the U20 Rugby Championship and has since made the squad for the World Rugby U20 Championship. And even though he missed out on selection for South Africa's campaign opener against Australian, he was named in the team for Friday's showdown against England.
Beyond rugby though, Gino speaks with striking maturity about the diversity, team culture, and human connection within this Junior Bok side.
'We all come from different backgrounds, so I get to know what other people's circumstances are. It's not just about rugby – I learn how to work with people, how to respect that not everyone is the same.'
He talks about team dynamics with care: 'Sometimes you can joke, sometimes you can't. I'm learning day by day how to work with different personalities.'
Cupido's humility is unshakable, even as fame begins to circle him. 'For me, it's not about being famous. I always pray to God to stay true to myself. Because that's all I can be.'
'Success for me is about becoming better in my sport and as a person. Everything has to be in balance.'
It's this authenticity that endears him to coaches and teammates alike.
'Every coach I've worked with played a different role in my journey,' he says.
From his school coaches to WP mentors and Blitzboks guru Philip Snyman, he names each with reverence. 'They all connect with players — there's love in how they coach. That's special.'
Cupido is now a key figure in both the Blitzboks and Junior Springboks setups. Looking ahead, he aspires to lift the Currie Cup, compete in the URC, and ultimately wear the green and gold of the Springboks.
But he knows there are no shortcuts. 'I have goals. Big ones. But I also know it's going to take hard work, day by day. That's what it's about.'
He may be young. But Gino Cupido already carries the spirit of a veteran – steady, faithful, and fiercely determined.
As he says, 'I'm playing for myself, my family, and my town. And I know what I have to do to succeed.'
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