Joining the Blitzboks is a massive opportunity for me, even if I don’t play – Labuschagne

SA RUGBY Sevens Academy player Marco Labuschagne has become the latest addition to the 2016-17 World Sevens Series-winning Blitzboks after joining the side for the London leg of the series at Twickenham.

Labuschagne was called up for the last leg of the Series after Tim Agaba was ruled out with a knee injury during the Paris event last week, which the South African Sevens side also won.

Agaba will be replaced in the 12-man squad by Sandile Ngcobo, who travelled to Paris as the Blitzboks’ official reserve player, and Labuschagne will now fill that vacancy.

The 19-year-old Labuschagne praised the Academy for helping him grow as a player, while he also said that the call-up was a huge opportunity for him.

“I am so excited,” said the former Griffons Craven Week player.

“This is a massive opportunity for me, even if I don’t get a chance to play.

“Just to be with the squad and experience the World Sevens Series is already a highlight for me.

“The Academy has been great for my development as (a) player and amongst other things, taught me patience.

“Coaches Marius Schoeman and Paul Delport are really good at what they do and I have learned so much from them.

“We all want to play, but sometimes you have to wait (for) your chance.

“The important thing though is to make sure you are ready when offered that opportunity.

“Guys such as Stedman (Gans), Selvyn (Davids), Dewald (Human) and Ryan (Oosthuizen) all got opportunities and now it might be my turn.”

SA Rugby Sevens Academy Manager, Marius Schoeman, also praised Labuschagne’s abilities, while he was also grateful to Blitzboks coach Neil Powell, who called on Zain, Gans, Selvyn, Oosthuizen, Human and now Labuschagne to build depth, for giving Academy players a chance.

“It is fantastic to have yet another one of our players being called up, as it shows that we are fulfilling our mandate to develop the next tier of potential Blitzboks,” said Schoeman

“Marco will do well if called upon, he is a well-skilled player and has developed really nicely this year.

“This is a great pathway, thanks to Neil’s willingness to give these guys the opportunity and we are really grateful for that.

“There is really a good understanding between us and the senior squad and it is something we are keen to maintain.”