Key players leave BlitzBokke for Fifteens

· ALLBLACKS.COM · GETTY IMAGES
GettyImages 1245501719
South Africa's table-topping Blitzbokke Sevens team will head to the third round of the HSBC World Sevens Series in Hamilton next month without three key players.

Muller du Plessis, JC Pretorius and Sako Makata, who were part of South Africa's Commonwealth Games gold medal-winning sevens side earlier this year, have severed their connections with Sevens to pursue careers in the 15-man game.

Du Plessis, 23, who had played in 22 World Series tournaments since 2018, appeared in 102 games and shared in two World Series titles.

He is joining the Sharks, now coached by former Sevens mentor Neil Powell.

Pretorius, 24, has been one of the stars of South Africa's Sevens in recent years. He played in 23 series, scored 50 tries and played 122 games. He also shared in two World Series titles.

He was included in the World Rugby Series Dream Team in 2021 and has signed with the Lions.

Makata, 24, played in 17 World Series and scored 12 tries. He was involved in one of South Africa's World Sevens Series wins. He will play 15s for Griquas.

LATEST NEWS

View all
Black Ferns Sevens Edged by Australia in Thrilling Final
On Australia Day in Perth, the host nation toppled the Black Ferns Sevens in a blockbuster final. The All Blacks Sevens finished the tournament strongly after a sluggish start.
2025 DHL Super Rugby Pacific Pre-Season Schedule
Fans across the Pacific and beyond can get their first taste of Super Rugby in 2025 as pre-season fixtures kick off this weekend.
Pumas Legend Sanchez Announces International Retirement
High-scoring Argentina five-eighths, Nicolas Sanchez has kicked his last goal in international rugby.
Allan Alaalatoa: Leading the Brumbies for a Sixth Straight Season in 2025
Wallabies prop Allan Alaalatoa will captain the Brumbies in Super Rugby Pacific for his sixth consecutive season in 2025.
Black Ferns Sevens eye history-making moment in Perth
New Zealand's Black Ferns Sevens are keen to be part of some Sevens history when the women's final of the HSBC SVNS tournament in Perth at the weekend will be played after the men's final.
Fijian Drua Embrace Sevens Spirit Under Glen Jackson
New Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson has utilised traditional Fijian fondness for Sevens rugby as part of his side's preparation for Super Rugby Pacific this season.
Halfbacks in the hot seat for Reds and Waratahs
Seventeen Wallabies have been named in the Reds squad travelling to England and Ireland to play two Super Rugby Pacific warm-up games against Bristol and Ulster.
Highlanders announce co-captains for 2025 season
Co-captains will be at the helm for the Highlanders in DHL Super Rugby Pacific in 2025.
Zach Gallagher Embarks on New Journey with the Hurricanes
New Hurricanes lock Zach Gallagher is ready to take on the next challenge in a journey marked by remarkable achievements.
Blues-Chiefs Rivalry Reignites as Super Rugby Pacific Returns
Super Rugby Pacific for the 2025 season is kicking into life as franchises plot their paths through their campaigns.
Burke called up to Scotland squad for Six Nations
Former Crusaders first five-eighths Fergus Burke is set to play for Scotland in the Six Nations Championship starting on February 1.
David Havili Embraces Crusaders Captaincy Challenge
Accepting the captaincy of Super Rugby's most successful team, the Crusaders, was not an instant decision for utility back David Havili.
Two All Blacks Feature in Bryan Habana’s List of Fiercest Opponents
Two All Blacks rivals ranked among the five most formidable opponents Springboks wing legend Bryan Habana faced in his career.
Jordie Barrett Shines as Leinster Survive La Rochelle Challenge
All Black Jordie Barrett's Leinster experience endured another test as they held out the fast-finishing home side La Rochelle for a 16-14 Champions Cup win on Sunday.
Arthur McGill: The Fullback Who Shone in Australia's Dark Rugby Days
Arthur McGill, who died on January 9 at age 80 in Sydney, was Australia's fullback during one of the most harrowing periods of its recent rugby history: the early 1970s.
All Blacks Sevens Face Tough Pool in Perth
New Zealand's All Blacks Sevens, looking to lift their success in the HSBC SVNS, face a tough pool for the three-day Perth leg from January 24-26.
Concerns Raised Over Springboks Test Players' Workload
Concerns are mounting in South Africa that the toll on Test players involved in European club competitions could impact Springbok Rugby World Cup prospects.
Tom Lynagh Eyes Big 2025 with Early Return to Reds Training
With everything to play for in 2025, Reds first five-eighths Tom Lynagh signalled his intent by returning to Super Rugby Pacific training ahead of Wallabies teammates.

Remembering the greatest individual tries of all time
We've compiled a selection of 10 unforgettable individual tries.

Handre Pollard Reveals Rassie Erasmus’ Secret to Springbok Success
Two-time Springbok Rugby World Cup winner Handre Pollard has defined why coach Rassie Erasmus has been so successful in keeping the South Africans' winning consistency in recent seasons.