Perth is buzzing with excitement for the upcoming Sevens Series tournament and the selection of Tristan Leyds in the Springbok Sevens team. Leyds is one of two newcomers in the revised Blitzboks line-up, and his older brother Dillyn has a special connection to the city, where his rugby career took off. Despite facing challenges transitioning to sevens rugby, Tristan is eager to contribute to the team’s success and emulate their triumphant performance in Dubai. Perth welcomes Leyds and his skills to the already dynamic team.
A New Chapter in Perth’s Rugby Scene: Tristan Leyds Makes His Debut. Perth is buzzing with fervor as the kick-off to the inaugural Sevens Series tournament draws close. This excitement spiked with the announcement of Tristan Leyds earning his spot in the Springbok Sevens team. Among the selection in the drastically revised Blitzboks line-up, Tristan is one of two newcomers. The city of Perth holds a special significance for the Leyds brothers.
The Anticipation Climbs
Perth is buzzing with fervor as the kick-off to the inaugural Sevens Series tournament draws close. This excitement spiked with the announcement of Tristan Leyds earning his spot in the Springbok Sevens team. The news, though eagerly expected, was still met with an exhilarating thrill. Tristan, 26, relayed the news to his older brother Dillyn via a video call, a moment filled with joy and mutual pride.
Among the selection in the drastically revised Blitzboks line-up, Tristan is one of two newcomers. This reshuffling was a strategic move by head coach Sandile Ngcobo. By giving some of the veteran players a break, he has provided a golden opportunity for the younger Leyds to make his international debut. This path is not unfamiliar to the Leyds family, as Dillyn had a distinguished run with both the Junior Springboks and the Springboks.
Leyds Brothers and their Unique Connection to Perth
The city of Perth holds a special significance for the Leyds brothers. It was in Perth that Dillyn’s career took flight as he played for Perth Spirit and the Western Force in the Super Rugby in 2014. Once he returned to South Africa, Dillyn cemented his legacy in the rugby world, making a lasting impression on both the Stormers and the Champions Cup. He has twice clinched victory in the Champions Cup with his current club, La Rochelle in France.
Naturally, Tristan has high expectations for his own stint in Perth. After months of rigorous training and recently signing his first contract with the Blitzboks, Tristan is eager to demonstrate his worth on the field. His past experience as a flyhalf for DHL Western Province in the Currie Cup, and representing DHL Stormers in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, undoubtedly adds depth to the squad.
Tristan Leyds’ Journey to the Sevens
Transitioning to sevens rugby didn’t come without its share of hurdles. The rigorous training demanded a level of fitness that was new to him. The skill level of his Blitzboks teammates was equally daunting. Nonetheless, Tristan remained undeterred, committed to his goal. In his words, “These Blitzboks are as skillful as anyone.”
Even though he was left out from the team that participated in the Cape Town Sevens last month, his spirit remains unbroken. Reflections and discussions on the setbacks encountered during that competition have served as a valuable learning experience. It has given him insights to strategize for the forthcoming tournament in Perth. Tristan stated, “Yes, we spoke about the things that went wrong and how we can fix things for Perth.”
The objective is crystal clear: to emulate their triumphant performance in Dubai. Above all, Tristan underscores the significance of his contributions to the team’s overall success. Representing his country is indeed a monumental moment, but his focus stays on what he can contribute to the team.
Perth Welcomes Tristan Leyds
The South African community in Perth echoes Tristan’s anticipation. Dillyn has reached out to his friends in Perth, ensuring a strong support network for his brother.
This weekend, the Springbok Sevens will take on Canada and Spain on Friday, followed by Argentina on Saturday in their final Pool A match. Perth, a city with a rich rugby heritage, is poised to add another chapter to its story as Tristan Leyds steps onto the field. He is all set to represent his country, bringing his skills and enthusiasm to an already dynamic team.
1. Who is Tristan Leyds and why is he important to Perth’s rugby scene?
Tristan Leyds is a newcomer to the Springbok Sevens team and one of two newcomers in the revised Blitzboks line-up. He holds high expectations for his stint in Perth’s rugby scene and the upcoming Sevens Series tournament.
2. What is the significance of Perth to the Leyds brothers’ rugby careers?
Perth holds a special significance for the Leyds brothers as it was where Dillyn Leyds’ rugby career took flight. He played for Perth Spirit and the Western Force in the Super Rugby in 2014. Once he returned to South Africa, Dillyn cemented his legacy in the rugby world, making a lasting impression on both the Stormers and the Champions Cup.
3. What challenges did Tristan Leyds face in transitioning to sevens rugby?
Transitioning to sevens rugby demanded a level of fitness that was new to Tristan Leyds. The skill level of his Blitzboks teammates was also equally daunting. However, Tristan remained committed to his goal, and his past experience as a flyhalf for DHL Western Province and representing DHL Stormers added depth to the squad.
4. What are the Blitzboks’ objectives in the upcoming tournament in Perth?
The objective is to emulate their triumphant performance in Dubai. Above all, Tristan Leyds underscores the significance of his contributions to the team’s overall success, with a focus on what he can contribute to the team.
5. How is the South African community in Perth supporting Tristan Leyds?
Dillyn Leyds has reached out to his friends in Perth, ensuring a strong support network for his brother. Perth’s rugby heritage is poised to add another chapter to its story as Tristan Leyds steps onto the field.
6. Who are the Springbok Sevens playing in the upcoming tournament in Perth?
The Springbok Sevens will take on Canada and Spain on Friday, followed by Argentina on Saturday in their final Pool A match.
