Nortje back and hungry as Blitzboks chase Hong Kong glory
· The South African
Quewin Nortje may be making his first appearance of the 2026 season, but the Springbok Sevens flyer arrives in Hong Kong well prepared.
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A series of injuries kept the 23-year-old off the field throughout the regular Sevens Series. However, Nortje insists the Stellenbosch training environment has kept him sharp and match-ready. The Blitzboks landed in Hong Kong on Friday after travelling from Cape Town via Johannesburg.
TRAINING GROUND BATTLES SHARPEN BLITZBOKS FOR HONG KONG
Nortje says the competitive environment at home mirrors the intensity of tournament rugby: “The competitive excellence we are striving for is not just a slogan, it is a reality,” he said.
He pointed to the Stellenbosch heat and a 20-man squad all pushing for selection: “A training session at home is as tough as any match we play.”
The former Junior Springbok wing says the squad culture drives everyone to perform, regardless of selection. Players left at home contribute directly to the travelling group’s preparation and readiness.
“A win for the guys on tour is a win for the guys at home,” Nortje said. That collective mindset has driven four tournament wins from six during the regular series.
RETURN TO SQUAD MAKES INJURY STRUGGLES WORTHWHILE FOR NORTJE
Nortje’s comeback took longer than expected, with persistent niggles repeatedly interrupting his progress this season. The last few weeks, however, brought a welcome run of uninterrupted preparation for the speedster.
“It is great to be part of the playing squad again,” the 23-year-old said.
He added that reaching Hong Kong makes the earlier frustrations entirely worth it.
Nortje has played at the iconic Kai Tak Sports Park venue twice before without a winners’ medal.
“It remains one of the most sought-after tournaments for us,” he said.
He is hopeful the third visit finally delivers the title the Blitzboks have so far missed in Hong Kong. South Africa face Uruguay, Spain and Argentina in Pool A at Kai Tak Sports Park.
DEFENSIVE DEPTH HIGHLIGHTS TEAM-FIRST APPROACH
The Blitzboks also showed strong defensive depth during the New York sevens tournament last month. They topped the defensive stats despite missing leading tackler Shilton van Wyk for that event. Ryan Oosthuizen led the way with 16 tackles, followed by Sebastiaan Jobb with 14. Selvyn Davids made 12 and captain Impi Visser contributed 11 tackles that weekend.
Nortje says those numbers reflect a team that consistently works hard for one another.
“It shows how the guys worked for each other,” he said. “It is not about the individual in this Blitzboks team.”
That attitude gives South Africa a strong platform as the World Championship phase begins.
Hong Kong is the first of three World Championship events this season. Valladolid and Bordeaux follow as the campaign continues in Europe.
As series champions, South Africa cannot be relegated from the top tier. The Blitzboks carry strong form and confidence into what promises to be a fierce contest at Kai Tak Sports Park next weekend.
Springbok Sevens squad for Hong Kong: Ryan Oosthuizen, Impi Visser (captain), Zain Davids, Ronald Brown, Selvyn Davids, Siviwe Soyizwapi, Shilton van Wyk, Quewin Nortje, Donavan Don, Sebastiaan Jobb, David Brits, Tristan Leyds, Jayden Nell.