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The South African
02-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
The making of Gino Cupido: A rising star in South African rugby
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.' HAVE YOU SEEN GINO CUPIDO IN ACTION YET? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
21-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Springbok Sevens ‘A' side ends Rugby Africa Sevens pool stage on high after slow start
Ricardo Duarttee brought loads of experience and his trademark trickery to the Springbok Sevens 'A' side in Mauritius at the weekend. Image: Shaun Roy/BackpagePix The Springbok Sevens 'A' side slowly warmed to their task in the pool stage of the Rugby Africa Sevens at the Labourdonnais Sports Club in Mauritius on Saturday, with victories over Nigeria, Zambia and Burkina Faso. The South Africans began the tournament with a 17-5 victory over Nigeria's Black Stallions in a scrappy, error-strewn opening match where they struggled to find their rhythm or assert themselves on their opponents. It took one moment of brilliance – a dummy pass from the energetic Ricardo Duarttee, or 'Tricky Ricky' – to send Joel Leotlela over in the right-hand corner for the only score of the first half. Flyer Sebastiaan Jobb had an almost immediate impact off the bench in the second stanza, his converted try after 11 minutes stretching SA's lead to 12-0. Personal goals and team objectives will need to combine if South Africa want positive results at the Rugby Africa Sevens in Mauritius this weekend - more here: 👊#PoweredByUnity #Blitzboks — Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) June 20, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The Nigerians hit back two minutes later to reduce the lead to 12-5. It was no more than their endeavour deserved, even if they were guilty of schoolboy handling errors at times. Masande Mtshali had the final say for the Springbok Sevens 'A' side. He dotted down in the right-hand corner after some good inter-passing as the favourites seemed to have finally woken from their slumber. There would be no further additions to the scoreline but Philip Snyman's charges will have been left with plenty to ponder going into the second match of the tournament. The South Africans started the second pool match against Zambia far better than the first, a foot in touch denying Grant de Jager the early score. But a few minutes later, they made the most of turnover ball on the Zambian tryline for Joubert Schoeman to score. The Zambians levelled the score at 7-7. But their joy was short-lived, after Schoeman rose high and collected the ball off the kick-off to canter over the whitewash. The game seemed headed for a thrilling second half after Zambia fought back to draw level again before half-time (14-14). However, the class of the South Africans finally told. Mfundo Ndhlovu showed great strength, shrugging off tackles and powering over the line as the Springbok Sevens 'A' side eventually ran out 33-14 winners. Mfundo Ndhlovu showed off all his skills for the Springbok Sevens 'A' side on the opening day of the Rugby Africa Sevens in Mauritius. Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers
TimesLIVE
13-06-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Blitzbok star Zander Reynders scores big in rugby and engineering
Blitzbok rugby player Zander Reynders is proving you can chase your dreams both on the sports field and in the classroom. The 24-year-old recently graduated with a degree in computer engineering from the University of Pretoria (UP), just a few days after helping South Africa win gold at the 2025 HSBC SVNS World Championship in Los Angeles. Reynders received his degree during the autumn graduation season in May. He studied in the faculty of engineering, built environment and information technology while playing for UP-Tuks and later the Blitzboks. 'Being part of this squad, standing on that podium in LA, it's everything I dreamt about when I used to watch these games with my family during December holidays,' said Reynders. South Africa beat Spain 19-5 in the final. Reynders was playing in only his third tournament as a fully-fledged member of the team, showing that hard work and determination can really pay off. Reynders made his Blitzbok debut in Cape Town in December 2024 after a training camp in Stellenbosch. 'Standing alongside someone like (Blitzboks co-captain) Impi (Visser), who's represented both UP and the country with such distinction, inspires me to uphold the same standards,' he said. He believes that his studies helped him improve as a player. 'Engineering taught me to stay calm under pressure and think critically. In a final like that, it's not just about fitness — it's about mental clarity,' said Reynders. Balancing sport and studies was not easy but Reynders says it helped him grow. 'That mindset helps on the rugby field too, whether it's solving a defensive puzzle or executing a set piece,' he said. Now, with two international titles and a degree, Reynders wants to make a difference on and off the field. 'My goal is to live a life of impact,' he said. 'I want to keep contributing to the Blitzboks and embrace every chance to represent South Africa with pride. But I'm also passionate about using my engineering background to drive innovation — especially in areas like sustainable development and conservation.' He hopes his story inspires other students. 'Whether you're in the lecture hall, on the rugby field, or simply figuring out who you are, I hope my journey shows that hard work, consistency, and support from the right people can take you far,' said Reynders. Reynders still feels proud to be part of the UP community. 'The world needs your energy and your courage. Keep dreaming boldly and acting bravely,' he said. His message to young people is simple: 'Make the most of every opportunity, big or small. Don't underestimate the power of consistency. Show up every day with purpose and discipline. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you. Run your own race and trust the process.'
News24
25-05-2025
- Sport
- News24
Former Bok Cornal Hendricks funeral service
The funeral service for former Springbok winger Cornal Hendricks will take place at Wellington Moederkerk on Sunday. Hendricks died last Wednesday after suffering a heart attack. He was 37. The service starts at 12:00. Hendricks played 12 Tests for the Springboks between 2014 and 2015 and scored five tries. Hendricks' Test career was cut short when he was diagnosed with a heart ailment in late 2015. He had signed a two-year deal with the Stormers before the condition prevented him from playing for the Cape franchise. A deal with French side Toulon also fell through and he was forced to retire from rugby aged 27. However, after receiving a second medical opinion, he made a comeback for the Bulls in 2019 and played for the Pretoria franchise until 2024, before moving back to Boland where he started his professional career in 2008. He represented the Blitzboks from 2011 to 2014, before signing for the Cheetahs where he became a Springbok. Go to top
Daily Maverick
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
National pride at stake: Shukri Conrad seeks Springbok inspiration for Proteas' historic challenge
As 'biggest final ever' looms for Proteas, head coach Shukri Conrad popped in to visit back-to-back world champions, the Springboks, at their alignment camp. South Africa's sport has been on a hot run in recent times. Across the first three weeks of May, the Blitzboks won the SVNS World Championship in Los Angeles, South Africa won three medals at the World Relays in Guangzhou, China, and Amajita – South Africa's Under-20s — were crowned Afcon champions. But the most-acclaimed champions in the country, the Springboks, who are back-to-back Rugby World Cup winners, have led the winning charge with Rassie Erasmus in the coach's box on both occasions. It is no surprise then that the South Africa's national cricket coach, Shukri Conrad, was keen on rubbing shoulders with the brains trust that pulled off the World Cup double. 'For all of us it's been really inspiring,' Conrad said, after spending time with the Springbok squad that gathered in Cape Town for the team's second alignment camp of the year. 'If you look at the history of the Springboks, if you look at the past two successive World Cups — back-to-back, potentially a third… 'They obviously must be doing a lot of things right and we'd like to see what they're doing right and then learn from each other.' The Proteas, since their readmission to international cricket in 1991, have underdelivered compared with expectations in the trophy department. It's something Conrad is looking to correct when his side face Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord's in England from 11 June 2025. 'It used to be a month away, it's now next week when we leave for the UK for what is our biggest final ever, I'd like to think,' Conrad said. Cross-pollination Conrad added that the language used by the Springboks was similar to that used by the Proteas, although the process of delivering the message was different. 'Listening, sitting in this morning and chatting to some of the players and coaches, and listening to and going through the presentation that Rassie and some of the coaches did is just the common threads that we find across both sports,' Conrad added. 'We might not have put a lot of these things in a documented form necessarily, but the languages are pretty much the same. 'What I find really interesting is just the implementation of certain things. Where playing for the Springboks has got to be the biggest thing, playing for the Proteas has to be the biggest thing. 'If that can be the one thing that you're going to really hone in on — which is the case with the Springboks and which is what we're trying to establish with the Proteas. Playing for the national side has to be the biggest thing.' Their meeting is not a one-off thing either, with Conrad interested in sharing and gaining knowledge from South Africa's other national sporting coaches. 'I really think so. It's something that — both Rassie and I agree — we should be spending a lot more time together as head coaches,' he said. 'I'd love to spend some time with Hugo (Broos) or Desiree Ellis in the soccer space. I watch every Bafana Bafana game, I started watching netball when the World Cup was here. 'I know there's a slogan, 'Stronger Together', and it's exactly that, we can all be stronger together. Sharing in national pride is the same across every code. 'It's great rubbing shoulders across different codes. It's not only coming here wanting to learn from them, it's us almost sharing ideas, and that was always the intention when Rassie and I first started chatting. 'Just the cross-pollination, sharing of ideas and learning from each other.' Erasmus, who has spent time with Bafana coach Broos in the past, shared Conrad's sentiments. 'I firmly believe in having our national coaches working together and sharing ideas, as we all have the same goal in mind – to make the country proud – so we are thrilled that they took time out of their busy schedules to spend the day with us,' Erasmus said about Conrad's visit. 'Hopefully, we can see a lot more collaboration between all our national coaches in the future.' Beaming with pride Conrad, who watches national sport beaming with pride, will be keen to bring that same pride to other South Africans when they play against Australia in the World Test Championship final. 'Just a few weeks ago, watching our athletes in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays — there's so much pride, you feel being part of any South African team is unmatched, whether it's the Springboks, Bafana Bafana, or the Proteas,' he said. 'I don't think there's a better feeling in the world than being involved with the national side. 'The more we share ideas and spend time together and help each other along on this journey, it can only go well for our country on a broader scale as well.'
