Ngcobo to lead Blitzboks into new era
Sandile Ngcobo has been named as the new head coach of the Springbok Sevens team.
Ngcobo succeeds Neil Powell as coach of the Blitzboks.
Phillip Snyman, who guided Germany to their first Rugby World Cup Sevens qualification, will become his assistant coach.
Ngcobo and Snyman were part of the squad that won consecutive World Series titles in 2017 and 2018, with Snyman captaining the Blitzboks in both seasons.
Ngcobo, who hung up his playing boots in 2018 and then went straight into coaching as assistant at the SA Rugby Sevens Academy, was promoted to head coach at the Academy in 2021, while Snyman took up a coaching position at the SAS Sevens Academy, then assisted Uganda towards Commonwealth Games qualification before joining forces with Germany.
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SA Rugby's Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, said Ngcobo's elevation was important as it shows that the coaching pathways are sound.
“To have esteemed former players swopping roles to coach the team they served for so long, is testimony of the great culture that was created over the years.
“Both coaches were part of the well-respected Blitzboks culture and are driven by that. They will certainly make sure the values of the system will continue to grow with the next generation of players.”
Ngcobo said his appointment was a massive opportunity.
“I cannot give enough gratitude for the confidence that has been put into me and our team to take up the baton.
“The Blitzboks are indeed very close to the heart for all involved and our jobs will be to protect and grow the values of the badge and the brand. The work starts immediately as we have a warm-up tournament next weekend, so there is no time to sit idly and ponder.”
Powell will formally leave SA Rugby's employment this week to join up with the Sharks, where he was appointed as director of rugby earlier this season.
