Sevens star gets the boot

Johannesburg - Ryno Benjamin was withdrawn from the Springbok Sevens team on Thursday for disciplinary reasons.

Paul Treu, the South African coach, confirmed the inclusion of Shaun Venter in place of Benjamin, who is one of the senior contracted players in the national squad.

The Springboks will defend their SA Sevens tournament title on Friday and Saturday at Outeniqua Park in George.

"Ryno breached our team protocol and I had to make a difficult call. We are a close-knit family and our team culture is very important to us," said Treu.

"It was not an easy call to make, especially so close to the tournament, but rules are rules and the healthy state of the team is more important than any individual.

"I am very satisfied with the team's preparations and the players are looking forward to playing in front of their home supporters."

Springbok Sevens team:
Paul Delport (captain)
Mpho Mbiyozo
Chase Minnaar
Frankie Horne
Cecil Afrika
Marius Schoeman
Kyle Brown
JW Jonker
Shaun Venter
Mzwandile Stick
Deon Helberg
MJ Mentz.