Snyman takes over as Springbok Sevens coach
Springbok Sevens assistant coach, Philip Snyman, has been promoted to head coach until July, replacing Sandile Ngcobo.
This follows a review following the Blitzboks' recent disappointing results.
Ngcobo has returned to the role of Sevens Academy coach.
The Springbok Sevens, who had finished in the top two in 12 of the previous 16 World Sevens seasons, are currently seventh in the standings.
SA Rugby CEO, Rian Oberholzer, says the short-term needs of the team are such that for continuity Snyman has been tasked with reviving the Blitzboks’ fortunes.
Snyman will hold the head coach role until the end of July and the completion of the Olympic Games in Paris – for which the team has yet to qualify.
“We have a talented and experienced group of Sevens players, but they have underperformed since winning the opening event of the world series in Dubai and results have only worsened,” said Oberholzer.
“We have yet to qualify for the Olympics and there is a danger that the team will not automatically retain its core status on the series. We greatly appreciate the honesty of Sandile’s approach and must praise him for placing the team’s needs above his personal ambitions.
“We will continue to invest in his development and believe he has a future in our systems. However, the short-term needs of the team are such that for continuity purposes we have given Philip the task of reviving the team’s fortunes.”
