EXCLUSIVE: One-on-one with Tristan Leyds

WATCH as Tristan Leyds speaks about being back with Western Province, playing with fellow Sevens teammates and his personal goals for the upcoming Currie Cup season.

Leyds returned to Cape Town for the upcoming Currie Cup campaign following a successful stint with the BlitzBoks, which included a bronze medal win at the Paris Olympics and a Sevens World Championship title.

Leyds also tasted success at home when he helped the BlitzBoks win the Cape Town leg of last season’s HSBC SVNS series.

The 28-year-old previously represented Western Province and the Stormers between 2020 and 2022, and shared his excitement about being back representing the blue and white hoops.

He is also excited to play alongside some of his fellow BlitzBok teammates such as Zain Davids, Gino Cupido, Quewin Nortje, Ronald Brown and Shilton van Wyk.

“It feels amazing to be back. We had a tough pre-season,” Leyds told @rugby365com. 

“I received a warm welcome from the management and a couple of old faces that I’ve played with.

“It’s about four years since I last set foot in the XV-a-side game – my last match was a Currie Cup game, and we just missed out on the semifinals that year.

“Regarding the Sevens guys, a couple of the players I’ve only seen on the Sevens circuit, and they’ve been doing amazing work down there.

“To see them flourish in the XVs setup using their skill-set they’ve learnt in the Sevens and showing what they bring to the team and adding value is amazing.

“The No.6 flanker [Zain Davids] will be one to watch on Saturday.”

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Leyds was seen kicking to posts at training on Thursday.

“My goalkicking is just a back-up in case anything happens,” he told @rugby365com.

“The last time I kicked was six years ago at club level, but I’m excited for the new job at hand and I can’t wait to get started.”

Leyds spoke about the challenge the Bulls will bring, and relishes the opportunity against the physical Pretoria-based outfit.

“North-South derbies are always a good one.

“Luckily, we get them first so we can get that physical match-up.

“The Bulls are always a physical team. I know they have good personnel down there, and I’ve spoken to some of their team members.

“I kind of have an idea what their side is looking like. I haven’t checked the team yet.

“We are just focused on what we can bring to the game.”

Regarding his personal goals, Leyds wants to be a regular in the side and do his best for the team.

“My personal goals are firstly to make the team every weekend and go out there to show my talent and what I can do.

“Whether it’s playing off the bench or being in the starting line-up in whichever position, and try and add value where I can and take it week by week as a team.

“For now, our focus is solely on the Bulls.”

See the full exclusive interview below…