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Latest News
Rugby World Cup Sevens - South Africa 2022
3 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

“You only live once”: History maker Sharni Williams targets 15s challenge after RWC Sevens 2022 success

Williams will join up with the Wallaroos squad for Rugby World Cup 2021 having completed a unique quadruple with Australia in Cape Town.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Tue 13 September, 2022
3 min read
Rugby World Cup Sevens - South Africa 2022
2 min read

RWC Sevens 2022

Angelo Davids pays emotional tribute to Neil Powell

Blitzboks star says his departing coach, who presided over the most successful period in South Africa sevens history, is like a father figure to him.

RWC Sevens 2022

Tue 13 September, 2022
2 min read
Rugby World Cup Sevens - South Africa 2022
5 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022: How an “incredible” weekend unfolded

Following the conclusion of RWC Sevens 2022 in Cape Town, we recap some of the highlights from a truly special weekend.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Mon 12 September, 2022
5 min read
Rugby World Cup Sevens - South Africa 2022
9 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Fiji and Australia crowned Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 champions in Cape Town

Fiji claimed their third men’s Rugby World Cup Sevens title by beating defending champions New Zealand, while Australia’s women took down New Zealand to win the title for the first time since 2009 in Cape Town.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Sun 11 September, 2022
9 min read
Rugby World Cup Sevens - South Africa 2022
7 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Ireland stun hosts South Africa as semi-finals confirmed at Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Ireland earned a superb win over the Blitzboks in the final game of an intense day of quarter-final action that also saw defending champions New Zealand remain on course to defend their title in the men’s and women’s events

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Sat 10 September, 2022
7 min read
Latest Videos
Perry Time | Episode 2
09:58 mins

Perry Time | Episode 2

Thu 15 September, 2022
09:58 mins
Seven of the Best | Rugby World Cup 7s | Men's Tries
04:17 mins

Seven of the Best | Rugby World Cup 7s | Men's Tries

Thu 15 September, 2022
04:17 mins
Seven of the Best | Rugby World Cup 7s | Women's Tries
03:24 mins

Seven of the Best | Rugby World Cup 7s | Women's Tries

Thu 15 September, 2022
03:24 mins
TUDOR presents every Daring Play of the Day from Rugby World Cup 7s: Women's
01:05 mins

TUDOR presents every Daring Play of the Day from Rugby World Cup 7s: Women's

Catch up on all the Daring Plays of the Day from the women’s competition at #RWC7s
Tue 13 September, 2022
01:05 mins
TUDOR presents every Daring Play of the Day: Men's Rugby World Cup 7s
01:09 mins

TUDOR presents every Daring Play of the Day from Rugby World Cup 7s: Men's

Relive all the best Daring Plays of the Day from the men's tournament at #RWC7s
Mon 12 September, 2022
01:09 mins
RWC Sevens 2022
Tuesday 13 September, 2022
2 min read

Angelo Davids pays emotional tribute to Neil Powell

Blitzboks star says his departing coach, who presided over the most successful period in South Africa sevens history, is like a father figure to him.
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Neil Powell’s nine-year golden reign as Blitzboks head coach may be defined by the wins – of which there were many – but those within South Africa’s rugby sevens programme will tell you his influence goes much deeper.

As humble a man as you could wish to meet, Powell quietly went about revolutionising the setup in Stellenbosch, without any fanfare, to produce a brilliant team and, most importantly to him, brilliant men.

The end of an era 🇿🇦

The @Blitzboks score their final try under head coach Neil Powell before he heads into the 15s game - and what a try it was!#RWC7s | #HereToSevens pic.twitter.com/UFAa9wCKNO

— Rugby World Cup 7s 2022 (@WorldRugby7s) September 11, 2022

High standards on the field were matched by those off it, and Angelo Davids, one of the many players he has developed, was fighting back the tears when asked about Powell’s influence following the end of the Blitzboks' Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 campaign.

Davids’ father walked out of his life at a young age and after looking for fatherly guidance in other places, he found it on joining the South African Rugby Sevens Academy in 2018.

For Davids, Powell has been more than a coach. “Whenever we speak about Neil Powell, it always hits me deep. He was the man who changed me; he was the guy who told me that I could make it; the guy who was there when I needed a father; he was the guy who told me to never give up, to keep going, to keep believing,” he said.

“So for him, I want to thank him for what he did in my life. I’m going to miss him a hell of a lot - and I love him so much.”

Rollcall of success

Outside of New Zealand legend Gordon Tietjens, no other coach can match Powell in terms of long-term success.

The Olympic Games gold medal may have eluded South Africa during his time at the helm but three World Series titles, 37 Cup final appearances in 75 Series tournaments, two Commonwealth Games gold medals and bronze medals in both the Olympics and Rugby World Cup Sevens makes for a wonderful track record.

Powell didn’t get the fairytale ending that many hoped for and probably deserved at Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022, but the reception he received from the Cape Town crowd following the Blitzboks' seventh-place finish spoke volumes for how highly he is regarded.

After the 35-5 win over Samoa, his final match before taking on a director of rugby role in 15s at the Sharks, Powell reflected on a number of highlights in his 15-year career as a player and coach.

“I would like to remember the wins, like our very first one in the World Series in Wellington, my very first one in South Africa as a coach, when we won in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium only a couple of days after President Mandela had passed away, and of course, the World Series wins, especially the second one in 2018, when we beat England in the last game of the series to be crowned champions,” said Powell.

“Then the Commonwealth gold wins also, but the thing I will treasure most will be the human beings I coached. I saw many of them develop into fantastic people and that was more important than gold.

“The system has grown into this amazing system where the people have got good manners, got a great culture and are respectful and disciplined.

“Young men come into the system and they develop and grow into adults, and they walk out of there mature and disciplined and respectful. It was great to be a part of it and I am so honoured for the time that I spent in the system."

Trending News Show all
2023 Sydney Sevens - Day 3
4 min read

World Rugby Sevens Series

New Zealand tighten grip on top spots, race to Paris 2024

Following an exhilarating three days at Allianz Stadium, we take a look at what the results mean for the men’s and women’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2023.

World Rugby Sevens Series

Mon 30 January, 2023
4 min read
HSBC Sydney Sevens winners
10 min read

HSBC Sydney Sevens

Double glory for New Zealand at HSBC Sydney Sevens

The Black Ferns Sevens and All Blacks Sevens increase their leads at the top of the standings with emphatic victories, against France and South Africa respectively.

HSBC Sydney Sevens

Sun 29 January, 2023
10 min read
2023 Sydney Sevens - Day 2
5 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

France men and women shock hosts at HSBC Sydney Sevens

Cup semi-finalists in the men's and women's tournaments have been decided after a brilliant day two in Australia.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Sat 28 January, 2023
5 min read
2023 Sydney Sevens - Day 1
7 min read

HSBC Sydney Sevens

Big comebacks and top tries as the HSBC Sydney Sevens returns in style

We review the opening day’s play from Australia where New Zealand, leaders in both of the Series, maintained their winning momentum.

HSBC Sydney Sevens

Fri 27 January, 2023
7 min read
Dubai Emirates Airline Rugby Sevens
6 min read

HSBC Sydney Sevens

Big names and new faces – your HSBC Sydney Sevens squads

On a weekend when Gastón Revol will equal James Rodwell's record for most HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series tournament appearances, we take a look at the key squad news in both the men’s and women’s events.

HSBC Sydney Sevens

Thu 26 January, 2023
6 min read
Gaston Revol and Santiago Gomez Cora
4 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Gastón Revol constantly renewing goals as he approaches Series record

Argentina's Gastón Revol will equal James Rodwell's record for most HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series tournament appearances when he plays in Sydney this weekend.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Wed 25 January, 2023
4 min read
HSBC Sydney Sevens
2 min read

Rugby sevens

HSBC Sydney Sevens ready for action

The world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge provided the backdrop as captains of the 28 men’s and women’s teams gathered ahead of the HSBC Sydney Sevens which kicks off on Friday, 27 January.

Rugby sevens

Wed 25 January, 2023
2 min read
HSBC New Zealand Sevens 2020 - Men's
3 min read

World Rugby Sevens Series

Kenya legend Collins Injera calls time on illustrious playing career

The second highest try scorer in HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series history said that “after 17 years of literal blood, sweat and tears, it’s time to step away”.

World Rugby Sevens Series

Tue 24 January, 2023
3 min read
HSBC New Zealand Sevens - Day 2
3 min read

World Rugby Sevens Series

Argentina, New Zealand and USA the big winners on road to Paris 2024

Following a pulsating HSBC New Zealand Sevens, we take a look at what the results mean for the standings and the race for Olympic qualification.

World Rugby Sevens Series

Mon 23 January, 2023
3 min read
HSBC New Zealand Sevens 2023 winners
6 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Argentina and New Zealand the winners in Hamilton

A dramatic day two of HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series action ends a breathless weekend.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Sun 22 January, 2023
6 min read
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