Quewin Nortje is eager to begin the new HSBC SVNS season with the Blitzboks, reflecting on the incredible journey he’s had since joining the Springbok Sevens squad a year ago. Initially uncertain but fully committed, the young speedster quickly made an impact, scoring 18 tries in just six tournaments. His breakthrough season led to a nomination for World Rugby's SVNS Breakthrough Player of the Year and, notably, helped the team secure an Olympic bronze medal, marking an impressive start to his international sevens career.
Nortje attributes much of his success to the strong team ethic within the Blitzboks. He emphasizes that teamwork and selflessness are central to their playing style—a characteristic that will remain vital as the team pursues new goals this season. "The willingness to work as hard as you can for a teammate and to put him in a better position is something that is part and parcel of being a Blitzbok – that will never change," he said.
His commitment to the team was further cemented when he accepted a full-time contract, ensuring his dedication to the Blitzboks until at least 2026. For Nortje, playing with the Springbok Sevens logo on his chest is a source of immense pride, especially in front of passionate South African fans around the world. "It is such a great feeling, playing all over the world and being supported by South Africans abroad, and of course, playing in Cape Town in front of such a passionate crowd," Nortje shared.
Recently, Nortje returned to training after recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the Olympics, and his recovery has been smooth, allowing him to focus on regaining peak fitness. The injury, he noted, helped him shift his mindset toward future goals, including the team’s aim to be a top contender in every tournament. “We were proud of that medal in Paris... but that is in the past now. We have a shared vision of becoming a top two contender in every tournament we play this season, but for that to happen, the hard work must be done,” he added.
This weekend, Nortje and the Springbok Sevens squad will compete in the News 24 Faster Forward 7s tournament in Stellenbosch, where they’ll be split into two teams—the SA Sevens and SA Invitational squads. The SA Sevens team will compete in Pool C against teams like Wits Barbarians, Gel Squad, and Jaguars, while the SA Invitational team will face off against the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS), Scorpions, and the Chicago Bulls in Pool A. Pool games will occur on Saturday, followed by knock-out rounds on Sunday, as the team fine-tunes their preparations for the upcoming season.
With the HSBC SVNS season set to begin in a month, Nortje is ready to carry forward his momentum, aiming to make this season as memorable as the last.
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