Added incentive at Sevens IPT
Springbok Sevens Academy Manager, Marius Schoeman, will be scanning for potential players alongside SA Sevens Academy coach, Paul Delport, while SA Springbok Women's Sevens coach, Renfred Dazel, will be keen to add to the depth of his squad currently training at their base at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport.
"This tournament has proved in the past not only to provide spectators with first class Sevens rugby, but also guide us at national level to a good understanding of the depth we have at provincial level
"We are taking our Springbok Sevens Academy side to Dubai in December and I am looking to reward a number of guys at this tournament with an invitation to come and train with us with selection to Dubai in mind.
"We will be looking at fitness and skill levels, but also how players operate in a team environment, as this is crucial," Schoeman said.
Sixteen men's and 17 women's teams will push each other to the limit in search of the glory of being named South Africa's best provincial Sevens team.
The Blue Bulls are the defending champions in both competitions. The action gets underway on Friday, October 21 at 10.00, with the main Mbombela Stadium field and adjacent fields both hosting matches until 19.00.
Saturday's (October 22) schedule starts at 08.00 and concludes with the Men's Cup Final at 16.20.
The tournament will also provide an ideal training run for three national referees doing duty at the tournament. Newly-promoted World Series referee Jaco Kotze will join regular referees Ben Crouse and Aimee Barrett on the international stage this year, but will first officiate in numerous matches on the Mbombela Stadium pitches.
This will provide them with an ideal opportunity to fine-tune their preparations for the opening tournament of this year's World Series.
