A Stormers speedster has been called up to the Blitzboks squad as coach Philip Snyman navigates the absence of four key players for the start of the 2026-27 SVNS Series.
JC Mars is among 20 uncapped players who have joined the team in preparation for next season, which kicks off on 28 and 29 November in Dubai, with the Cape Town leg a week later.
A 38-player training group includes all but two of last season’s series and World Championship-winning Blitzboks.
Also included in the squad is former Sharks utility back Marnus Potgieter, who featured in the recent warm-up matches for the reigning series champions against Germany.
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However, Impi Visser, Zander Reynders, Jayden Nell and Shilton van Wyk will miss the opening weekend of the new campaign as they continue their rehabilitation.
Mfundo Ndhlovu and Donavan Don have left the squad for URC opportunities with the Stormers and Sharks, respectively.
Snyman will name his 13-man squad for Dubai next Friday.
“Most of our established group of players are fit and ready, apart from the four injured players, while we also invited some very exciting younger talents into camp,” the former Blitzboks skipper said.
“There are a number of players who played for the Junior Springboks over the last two years, while some standouts in the Varsity Cup were also drafted into this group.
“We also have some loan players from the franchises, such as JC Mars from the Stormers, who are training with us.”
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Snyman is set to split the squad into two groups, one to focus on the Dubai main event, while the second will also travel to the desert to play in the International Invitational Tournament.
“We have seen in the past how important that tournament is for our younger group as they also have international teams playing in that tournament, and it also gives them a real feel of tournament play,” he added.
Springbok Sevens training squad
Christie Grobbelaar, Ryan Oosthuizen, Impi Visser, Zain Davids, Ricardo Duarttee, Quewin Nortje, Ronald Brown, Selvyn Davids, Nabo Sokoyi, Dewald Human, Siviwe Soyizwapi, Shilton van Wyk, David Brits, Grant de Jager, Sebastiaan Jobb, Zander Reynders, Tristan Leyds, Gino Cupido (all capped), Rowan Malgas, Aaron Swartz, Tiaan Fourie, Juan Smith, JC Mars, Marnus Potgieter, Zack von Wielligh, Leachim Adams, Gregan Kerneels, Siya Ndlozi, Kruger van Reenen, Quintin Potgieter, Luan Williams, Jean-Henri Smit, Chijindu Okonta, Lizwe Mtetwa, Ceano Everson, Christiaan Potgieter, Samuel Badenhorst, Jack Benade.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Injury-hit Blitzboks rope in Stormers ace appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
A Stormers speedster has been called up to the Blitzboks squad as coach Philip Snyman navigates the absence of four key players for the start of the 2026-27 SVNS Series.
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