Zander Reynders is ready to step up for Blitzboks in Vancouver

For 24-year-old Zander Reynders, watching the Blitzboks in action was once a beloved December tradition, a staple of family gatherings where South Africa’s sevens rugby heroes like Kwagga Smith, Werner Kok, and Seabelo Senatla were as familiar as the relatives around him.

Now, in what must feel to him like the blink of an eye, he’s no longer just a fan – he’s part of the action.

Reynders, who made his Springbok Sevens debut in Cape Town in December 2024, is set to take on a more prominent role in the upcoming HSBC SVNS tournament in Vancouver.

With Blitzboks coach Philip Snyman opting to replace injured forward Zain Davids with wing Sebastiaan Jobb, Reynders will be expected to step up and make a significant impact.

Reynders "can't wait" as #Blitzboks start their journey to Vancouver - more here: https://t.co/47y1cErUms ✈#PoweredByUnity #HSBCSVNS pic.twitter.com/bfaTBqbYgr

— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) February 15, 2025

A Dream Realised

Coming from a family with a proud sporting legacy – his father, Frikkie, and uncle Bennie represented South Africa in canoeing – Reynders has always been driven by the spirit of competition. But even with his deep love for the Blitzboks, he never imagined himself donning the green and gold jersey.

“From those early days, I loved the Blitzboks for what they represented and how they performed,” Reynders recalled. “But even after being invited to train with the squad in Cape Town, I did not expect the call-up.”

That all changed when Snyman delivered the life-altering news. “I had just graduated with my computer engineering degree from the University of Pretoria and finally had time to focus on sevens rugby. I played for the academy side in Dubai and was just hoping for another chance,” he explained.

During a one-on-one meeting with Snyman, the coach praised his work ethic before giving him the news he had dreamt of hearing: “Zander, that opportunity is this weekend in Cape Town.”

Reynders' debut was a whirlwind experience, and though he primarily came off the bench in both Cape Town and Perth, he now relishes the chance to take on a bigger role in Canada.

A Bigger Role in Vancouver

“The Cape Town tournament was such a blur, and in Perth, I picked up a shoulder niggle, which meant I couldn’t play on the final day,” Reynders said. “That was the worst feeling because I wasn’t there when the team needed me. So I’m pretty motivated for this one.”

With the Blitzboks set to face New Zealand in their opening match on Saturday, Reynders is eager to step onto the field against the legendary All Blacks for the first time.

“I can’t wait,” he said. “Any rugby-playing schoolboy in South Africa grows up pretending to play against the All Blacks in their backyard, and now I get to do it for real. But I won’t focus too much on them—I have my own checklist of things to do for my team first.”

From slow scrumhalf to Blitzbok

Reynders’ rugby journey wasn’t always straightforward. As a young player, he was a “slow and short scrumhalf,” happy just to receive a participation medal at the end of the season.

A late growth spurt in his teenage years transformed his game, eventually leading him to win an FNB Varsity Cup title with UP-Tuks as an outside centre. Now, he boasts a World Series gold medal after the Blitzboks’ triumph in Cape Town.

With Vancouver on the horizon, Reynders remains grounded in his purpose. “Each match will be about contributing to the team and, in essence, to the country,” he said. “And knowing my family will be watching the Blitzboks’ every move, just as they have for years, makes it even more special.”

The Blitzboks will be looking to build on their recent performances, and with Reynders eager to make his mark, the team will be counting on his energy and determination as they take on the world’s best in Canada.