Latest news with #ZanderReynders
IOL News
16-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Zander Reynders: From University of Pretoria graduate to Blitzbok star
Blitzbok Zander Reynders is not just a rugby player to recon with, he is also an academic, having secured his engineering degree recently. Image: Supplied At the intersection of elite sport and academic excellence stands Zander Reynders – a rising Blitzbok star and proud new graduate of the University of Pretoria's (UP) Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT). Fresh off a gold-medal finish at the 2025 HSBC SVNS World Championship in Los Angeles, the 24-year-old is showing the world that determination, discipline and dual ambition can drive greatness. Reynders recently received his BEng Computer Engineering degree at the graduation ceremony for UP's Faculty of EBIT. As both a national athlete and a qualified computer engineer, Reynders' journey began in UP's lecture halls and continued on the TuksSport rugby fields, which has now taken him to the global stage. In only his third tournament as a fully-fledged Blitzbok, Reynders helped power South Africa to a commanding 19–5 win over Spain in the Los Angeles final, securing the Blitzboks' second title of the season. While fans will remember Selvyn Davids' length-of-the-field brilliance and Ricardo Duarttee's clinching try, it was the cohesion, composure, and depth of the team – including up-and-comers like Reynders – that defined the weekend. 'It's been a blur. Being part of this squad, standing on that podium in LA... it's everything I dreamed about when I used to watch these games with my family during December holidays,' Reynders said. In December, Reynders got the call-up he had always dreamed of. After an impressive run with the Blitzboks Academy and a strong training camp in Stellenbosch, he made his debut for the Blitzboks in Cape Town and helped the team lift that trophy. 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 Video Player is loading. 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The Blitzboks dominated their pool, outclassed New Zealand in the semi-final, and delivered a defensive masterclass against Spain to claim the title. For Reynders, the moment was surreal, not only as a player but as a UP alumnus stepping into the footsteps of heroes like fellow Blitzbok and UP alumnus Impi Visser. 'Standing alongside someone like Impi, who's represented both UP and the country with such distinction, inspires me to uphold the same standards,' he said. Now that he's playing on a global stage, he draws on the mindset shaped in UP's EBIT Faculty. '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.' He completed his degree while representing UP-Tuks in the Varsity Cup. 'Engineering taught me to think analytically and stay calm under pressure. That mindset helps on the rugby field too, whether it's solving a defensive puzzle or executing a set piece.' From backyard games with his brothers to the global stage of the HSBC SVNS World Championship, Reynders' journey is far from over. With two international titles already under his belt, he remains focused on growing as a Blitzbok, but he's equally determined to use his platform to make a meaningful impact beyond the try line. 'My goal is to live a life of impact. On the athletic front, 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,' Reynders said.
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.'
The South African
05-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Blitzboks crowned kings of Los Angeles
The Springbok Sevens team saved their best for last to win the final tournament of the season, the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Los Angeles, with a 19-5 victory over Spain in the final wrapping up a flawless weekend in California early on Monday morning (SA time). The Blitzboks were determined on defence and clinical on attack against a plucky Spain to win their second title of the 2025 season, after raising the trophy in Cape Town in December 2024. They managed to keep Spain away from their tryline with solid defence and when in possession, struck when it mattered, and even managed to score when down to six men following a late yellow card to Zander Reynders. The performance in the final wrapped up a magnificent effort at the tournament, where the Blitzboks had no peers and hard as Spain tried, they had no answers to unlock the determination of their opponents to not let them get past them. After four minutes of defence, South Africa struck when Selvyn Davids, who was named Player of the Final, stepped past the Spanish defence for a brilliant solo try. A long spell of possession by Spain was left in ruins as – from a rare moment with ball in hand at that stage – Davids attacked from a scrum 80m out and ran almost the length of the field. Ronald Brown converted for a 7-0 lead, which was the half-time score as well. Relentless defence forced Spain into mistakes and they battled to get into the South African half bar their early attack in the opening spell. The second half had more of the same. Spain had most of the ball and attacked from all corners, but stout defence forced them backwards and into mistakes. They were finally rewarded when Quewin Nortje was beaten by a delayed pass and Pol Pla scored from 50m out. Davids cut the Spanish speedster off, forced him to score out wide, and the conversion missed, keeping South Africa in the lead. The turning point came soon after when Mfundo Ndhlovu, who last played in Cape Town in December, outfoxed a rushing defence and then raced away from inside the SA 22 to score. Brown converted and at 14-5 and two minutes to play, the advantage was with the Blitzboks. Reynders caused some heartache was he was yellow carded from the restart, leaving the team one man short for the remainder of the match, but that didn't matter. Siviwe Soyizwapi showed his experience with a crucial turnover, with his team under pressure and a man down, which handed possession back to SA. Ricardo Duarttee sealed the deal after close combat with the Spanish and a probing Tristan Leyds run found some gaps and momentum from where Duarttee pounced. Blitzbok coach Philip Snyman praised the players afterwards, saying that their willingness to keep working made the win possible. Earlier, the Blitzboks kept their hot streak going following pool wins against France, Great Britain and Argentina, outscoring New Zealand by four tries to one and never giving the Kiwi side a look-in at all with a 26-5 win in their semi-final. Shilton van Wyk opened the scoring in the first minute, pouncing on a loose pass from New Zealand after a lineout, kicking ahead and winning the race to the line. Ronald Brown converted for a 7-0 lead. The second try by South Africa was more structured but still a thing of beauty. Selvyn Davids delayed his pass from a tap penalty and Nortje could race in to score under the sticks. Brown converted and the lead was 14-0 after four minutes of play. The rampant Blitzboks scored a third try before the half-time buzzer when some crisp passing and hard running gave Van Wyk a second try in the opening seven minutes. Brown, whose pass freed up Van Wyk, converted from the sideline for a 21-0 lead. The second half start was equally impressive. Brown's spot-on cross-kick found Nortje in the corner for his second try, despite having his shirt ripped in two, to push the lead to 26-0. New Zealand finally managed a play of note three minutes into the second half with a good move from within their half to score, but it was too little too late. South Africa 26 (21) New Zealand 5 (0) SA – Tries: Shilton van Wyk (2), Quewin Nortje (2). Conversions: Ronald Brown (3) New Zealand – Try: Frank Vaenuku South Africa 19 (7) Spain 5 (0) SA – Tries: Selvyn Davids, Mfundo Ndhlovu, Ricardo Duarttee. Conversions: Ronald Brown, Tristan Leyds Spain – Try: Pol Pla Post your congratulations for the Blitzboks below, by … Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
TimesLIVE
05-05-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Brilliant Blitzboks crowned kings of Los Angeles
The Blitzboks team saved their best for last to win the final tournament of the season, the HSBC Sevens World Championship in Los Angeles, with a 19-5 victory over Spain in the final wrapping up a flawless weekend in California on Sunday (early Monday morning SA time). The Blitzboks were determined on defence and clinical on attack against a plucky Spain to win their second title of the 2025 season, after raising the trophy in Cape Town in December 2024. They managed to keep Spain away from their try-line with solid defence and when in possession, struck when it mattered, and even managed to score when down to six men after a late yellow card to Zander Reynders. The performance in the final wrapped up an excellent effort at the tournament, where the Blitzboks had no peers and hard as Spain tried, they had no answers to unlock the determination of their opponents to not let them get past them.
