Springbok Sevens management yesterday announced the withdrawal of one of their most-experienced players.
Ryno Benjamin was withdrawn from the Springbok Sevens team today because of disciplinary reasons, the BlitzBokke’s team management announced.
Paul Treu confirmed the inclusion of Shaun Venter in place of Benjamin, who is one of the senior contracted players in the SA squad.
Shaun Venter will play in George from today (Pic: SA Rugby)
The Springbok Sevens will defend their SA Sevens tournament title on Friday and Saturday at Outeniqua Park in George.
BlitzBokke.com finds it hard to understand why an experienced player like Rayno Benjamin would “breach team protocol,”at his home tournament of all places. I remember seeing Rayno and some of the other BlitzBokke at the Joe Bananas nightclub in Wan Chai (Hong Kong) over the the last few years and thinking, how many guys their age would let their hair down after a hard 3 days of Sevens rugby, on a hectic Wan Chai evening and only drink water?!
That’s how disciplined these guys are. I can confirm that not many of he other teams’ players I saw partying in the area were as professional as our Boys, especially with the Adelaide Sevens looming a week away. That is the “team culture” that Paul Treu is cultivating.
“Ryno breached our team protocol and I had to make a difficult call. We are a closely knitted family and our team culture is very important to us,”explained Treu.
“It was not an easy call to make, especially so close to the tournament, but rules are rules and the healthy state of the team is more important than any individual.
“I am very satisfied with the team’s preparations and the players are looking forward to playing in front of their home supporters,”said Treu.
The BlitzBokke for the George Sevens are:
1.Mpho Mbiyozo
2.Chase Minnaar
3.Frankie Horne
4.Cecil Afrika
5.Marius Schoeman
6.Kyle Brown
7.JW Jonker
8.Shaun Venter
9.Paul Delport (captain)
10.Mzwandile Stick
11.Deon Helberg
12.MJ Mentz
Look at this picture, Rayno. You’re not only letting your fans down. We expect better from you…
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