Team SA turn to URC stars for Commonwealth glory

Jordan Hendrikse and Seabelo Senatla are among the Vodacom United Rugby Championship stars who have been named in Team SA’s sevens squad for the Commonwealth Games in July.

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Sascoc on Wednesday announced the Team SA squad that will be travelling to Birmingham to participate in the Commonwealth Games between 28 July and 8 August.

There were a number of surprises in the 17-man squad that will be participating in the men’s rugby sevens, which will take place from Friday, 29 July to Sunday, 31 July.

Springbok Sevens veterans Ruhan Nel and Senatla will both be returning to the squad, having starred for the Stormers in the URC this season.

Also back in the squad is Vodacom Bulls fullback Kurt-Lee Arendse, while Lions flyhalf Hendrikse has been included after making his Blitzbok debut in the London Sevens.

There could also be a potential sevens debut for Stormers playmaker Manie Libbok, who is currently the top-scorer in the URC.

The rest of the squad is fairly straightforward from the side that has been playing in the World Rugby Sevens Series this season, with Blitzbok captain Siviwe Soyizwapi leading a side which include regulars Sako Makata, Impi Visser, JC Pretorius, Selvyn Davids and Muller du Plessis.

Team SA men’s rugby sevens squad: