SA Rugby president, Mr Mark Alexander, praised the resilience showed by the South African men’s sevens squad at the Olympic Games in Paris, where they won the bronze medal over the weekend, and said it was a guiding light to all back in South Africa.

Mr Alexander hosted the Blitzboks for a team lunch to congratulate and thank them for their effort at the Rugby Sevens tournament and wished them well on their return to South Africa later on Monday.

“They came here as underdogs and not many people gave them a chance,” said Mr Alexander, “but they proved that the South African fighting spirit is alive and well in them. They made us proud with their efforts and we want to thank the team for that.”

According to Mr Alexander, pro-active steps are being undertaken for improvements to support the team in further Olympic endeavours.

“It will also be nice to have the team back in Cape Town in December when we host the HSBC SVNS tournament. I am sure the crowds will come out in numbers to support our bronze medallists,” he said.

SA Rugby