The BlitzBok star who just keeps winning
Success seems to follow Springbok Sevens flyer Gino Cupido wherever he goes, and over the last two seasons the young speedster has built an impressive habit of leaving his mark on rugby’s biggest stages.
The 20-year-old from Sir Lowry’s Pass Village near Somerset West has already amassed a remarkable collection of achievements early in his career.
Among them are a World Rugby Under-20 Championship title with the Junior Springboks in Italy in 2025 and a string of HSBC SVNS Series tournament victories as part of the BlitzBoks squad, including triumphs in Cape Town, Perth, Vancouver and New York during the 2025/26 campaign.
Cupido’s potential was evident from the moment he announced himself on the international sevens stage, scoring with his very first touch on debut in Hong Kong last season. Since then, his impact has only grown, with the BlitzBoks lifting the trophy at both North American events in which he featured during the 2026 series.
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Still only at the beginning of his international journey, Cupido heads into just his fourth tournament for the BlitzBoks determined to add another chapter to an already impressive story and help South Africa challenge for more silverware.
“It is great to be back, especially as I was cleared a bit earlier than originally planned, and to be part of the World Championship is great,” said Cupido from Valladolid, following an eventful trip to the Spanish city.
“I did not play in that once-off tournament last year, and I missed out last month in Hong Kong, but now I am so grateful to be part of the squad for the final two events.”
The BlitzBoks were delayed in Amsterdam because of a flat airplane tyre and a rough landing, but Cupido sees that as part of the journey.
“The three-hour trip from Madrid was also long, but it all was worth it, as we are the privileged ones to be here,” he said. “I know how some of the squad back home would swop places any day, so we count our blessings being on tour and part of such an amazing group.”
It made the rehabilitation process worth it, Cupido reflected: “Yes, the timing of my injuries this year was not great, as I also missed the win in Cape Town and the special one in Hong Kong, but one thing about this squad, our wins are literally for everyone involved, whether we are part of the squad or back home.
“Rehab can be lonely but knowing that you are building your body to come back to this team makes it worth the while.”
The squad will have a training session late afternoon, but it will not – as per Spanish custom – be a lazy siesta.
“We have some work to do, you can never rest on your laurels and this team always get back to zero, something we will do again,” said Cupido. “There is a target on our backs, and every team wants to beat us, so there will be no time to fool around.”
South Africa’s Pool A fixtures (SA times):
Friday, May 29
12.34: Great Britain
17.08: Kenya
Saturday, May 29
13.23: Australia
