BlitzBoks benefitting from the 'better Leyds'
SPOTLIGHT: Newly named HSBC SVNS Men’s Player of the Year Tristan Leyds reflected on the moment coach Philip Snyman broke the news to him that he’s been crowned the world’s best in the sport’s shortened format.
Leyds, already on an emotional high after the BlitzBoks successfully retained their World Championship title on Saturday, had more reason for celebration and shedding tears of joy when head coach Snyman shared the news that he’s been crowned the best in the business.
The 29-year-old playmaker credited the support of his family, including his brother Dillyn, who were in the stands in Bordeaux cheering him on.
“That made it all the more special,” said Leyds.
“The daily support I get from my wife often gets me going when the body is tired, while my parents have always been there supporting me.”
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Leyds also quipped that he can finally say that he’s stepped out of his brother’s shadow, who himself carved out a decorative playing career this far.
“And what can I say about Dillyn. He always calls me ‘the better Leyds’ on his social media posts, and that means a lot.
“I mean, he is a Springbok, he won the Champions Cup twice with La Rochelle, and was named Player of the Final, so yes, maybe I did step a bit out of his shadow by winning Player of the Year.
“A management member who came to congratulate me actually told me I am now shining my own light with this award.”
Leyds thanked his teammates and especially Snyman and BlitzBok assistant coach Renfred Dazel for their influence on his career and for making him a better player.
“I came here three years ago and from the start coach Phil backed me,” he said.
“At the start of this season, I told him I want to be the best 10 on the circuit. He asked me why not the best player in the world, something that really got me thinking.
“Coach Renfred [Dazel] is always there with his experience and technical inputs, and I am continuously learning from him as well. It really has been a remarkable journey.”
Being part of the squad that won the Hong Kong tournament for the first time was a season highlight, as well as winning back-to-back titles in Cape Town.
“One of the things you want to try and do is to set new standards, and with this team, the standard is already so high with everything they have achieved.
“Doing the Cape Town double and winning in Hong Kong were special and has not been done before, and to be part of that was another of many boxes I ticked since I joined the squad.”
Leyds was adamant that the BlitzBoks can notch up another first in a few years’ time: winning the gold medal at the Olympic Games in 2028.
“I got that bronze with the team in Paris and realised how big it could be for us in 2028,” he said.
“We have not set that goal, and hopefully I can still be around when that squad is selected.”
With additional reporting by: SA Rugby
