Rising South African rugby star Gino Cupido is determined to make his mark on the sevens stage with Blitzboks, starting with the Hong Kong stop on the HSBC Sevens Series.
The 19-year-old has taken the less traditional path of sevens over the 15s game in South Africa, but that was only after he was persuaded by experience with the national team. Cupido is now in line to make his debut for the Blitzboks.
The Hong Sevens started on Friday with the Blitzboks scheduled to play Uruguay and Australia in Group B.
South Africa wrap up their group stage matches with a much-anticipated clash with New Zealand on Saturday.
Seizing the moment: Cupido's journey from 15s to 7s rugby success
“I grew up thinking of myself as a 15s player. In 2023, I went to the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago, where I really started to understand the dynamics of 7s,” Cupido told SportsBoom.co.za.
“The coaches explained how the program works, and I thought, I’m going to give this a go.
"I really enjoyed the game because I began to understand it better. The coaches always told us to go out there and enjoy it. That message stuck with me.”
Cupido said he was focused on his team’s plan, and executing the moves they’d practiced to ensure they can perform in pressure situations.
“The coaches congratulated me and told me to enjoy myself. The senior players also shared some advice, especially knowing this is my first tournament. They told me to stay calm, and the rest would fall into place."
"I know there will be nerves, but I just need to stay calm and trust my preparation. The senior players have been great with advice, and I’m ready to step up.”