After grappling with injury woes that sidelined him at the season's outset, Gino Cupido, rugby’s shooting star, is eyeing a comeback with the Blitzboks for their upcoming shows in Singapore and Perth. At just 20, Cupido’s career reads like a fairy tale, sprinkled with golden moments, including double World Championship victories with the Junior Boks and Blitzboks and a dazzling Currie Cup debut for Western Province last year.
However, the fairy tale hit a snag with injuries that kept him from playing in the early SVNS tournaments in Dubai and Cape Town. Now, having bounced back from his physical setbacks, Cupido’s recent training stint—featuring some hard yards at the Stellenbosch base and sharp outings against Kenya—signals he’s ready to rumble again. With squad announcements looming, his anticipation is peaking.
"I really love playing for the Springbok Sevens. It is a wonderful team to be part of, the team spirit is great and as they have shown in Cape Town recently, they are capable of winning under huge pressure. I would love nothing more to go out and play with them."
Cupido’s initial Blitzboks splash in Hong Kong, where he scored with his very first touch, and subsequent try feast, only adds to the anticipation of his return. His eagerness is palpable, “Yes, the injuries were a bit of a let down as I wanted to get back into the team after winning the world title with the Junior Boks as well. Now, I am ready and it will be very rewarding for me if I get selected.”
Coach Philip Snyman, ready to welcome back Cupido, will also have Siviwe Soyizwapi at his disposal, though Ronald Brown, Selvyn Davids, Dewald Human, and Quewin Nortje are still on the mend. The Blitzboks are set to face Great Britain, Spain, and Fiji in their pool matches, making for a thrilling lineup that could well be the setting for Cupido’s triumphant return.
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After grappling with injury woes that sidelined him at the season's outset, Gino Cupido, rugby’s shooting star, is eyeing a comeback with the Blitzboks for their upcoming shows in Singapore and Perth. At just 20, Cupido’s career reads like a fairy tale, sprinkled with golden moments, including double World Championship victories with the Junior Boks and Blitzboks and a dazzling Currie Cup debut for Western Province last year.
However, the fairy tale hit a snag with injuries that kept him from playing in the early SVNS tournaments in Dubai and Cape Town. Now, having bounced back from his physical setbacks, Cupido’s recent training stint—featuring some hard yards at the Stellenbosch base and sharp outings against Kenya—signals he’s ready to rumble again. With squad announcements looming, his anticipation is peaking.
"I really love playing for the Springbok Sevens. It is a wonderful team to be part of, the team spirit is great and as they have shown in Cape Town recently, they are capable of winning under huge pressure. I would love nothing more to go out and play with them."
Cupido’s initial Blitzboks splash in Hong Kong, where he scored with his very first touch, and subsequent try feast, only adds to the anticipation of his return. His eagerness is palpable, “Yes, the injuries were a bit of a let down as I wanted to get back into the team after winning the world title with the Junior Boks as well. Now, I am ready and it will be very rewarding for me if I get selected.”
Coach Philip Snyman, ready to welcome back Cupido, will also have Siviwe Soyizwapi at his disposal, though Ronald Brown, Selvyn Davids, Dewald Human, and Quewin Nortje are still on the mend. The Blitzboks are set to face Great Britain, Spain, and Fiji in their pool matches, making for a thrilling lineup that could well be the setting for Cupido’s triumphant return.
Teams: Great Britain, Spain, Fiji.