Port Elizabeth - Hundreds of rugby fans turned up to meet the Blitzbokke at a signing session held at Cleary Park Mark Mall here on Wednesday.
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The Sevens stars are in the Friendly City to defend their Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens tournament title.
Round 3 of the Sevens World Series takes place this coming weekend at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. The signing session is part of SARU’s promotional efforts to raise awareness for the annual Sevens showpiece.
The Blitzbokke are one of 16 international teams participating in the two-day tournament, on December 13 and 14. The South Africans are defending their home crown and will attempt to become the first SA side to win back-to-back home titles.
Last weekend the team won the Dubai Sevens tournament in style after outplaying Australia in the final and beating arch rivals New Zealand and Argentina in their respective semi-final and quarter-finals.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Springbok Sevens captain Kyle Brown said the team was delighted to be back in South Africa to play in its home tournament. “The PE fans gave us a fantastic welcome when we arrived on Monday night and the turnout today was absolutely amazing.
“There are a couple of new guys in the squad and they were absolutely delighted by the amazing turnout and passionate support we experienced today,” said Brown.
Warrick Gelant, who celebrated his Springbok Sevens debut with a first World Series try last weekend in Dubai, marvelled at the passionate Blitzbokke supporters. “Everywhere we go the people are so supportive, congratulating us on our performance in Dubai and wishing us well for the weekend. It is nice to have so much support behind us,” said Gelant.
SARU and the event organising partners have again laid on a fantastic entertainment programme for the event, with well-known local artists MiCasa, Jimmy Nevis and DJ Fresh set to add their unique showbiz performances to the Sevens extravaganza.