BRYAN HABANA HAS expressed his gratitude for being offered the chance to play a role in South Africa’s journey to the rugby Sevens at Rio 2016, despite missing out on a place in the final squad.
In February, Habana was given permission by his club, Toulon, to switch to the short form of the game in an attempt to earn a spot at the Olympic Games with the Blitzboks.
Today’s squad announcement left the 15-a-side icon out of the 14-man travelling party (two reserves and a 12-man squad) and the 33-year-old winger wished his compatriots well for the competition in Rio and
“My appreciation and gratitude for getting the opportunity to have been a part of the @blitzboks #RoadToRio far outweighs the disappointment of not making the final squad,” Habana wrote on Instagram.
“I find myself incredibly fortunate to have become a part of a very special brotherhood, to have pushed myself further than what I had imagined in making the transition over to 7s, being helped each and every step of the way by all the members of the squad and getting to experience just how much love these boys have for each other!”
He added:
“I’ll be your biggest supporter and cheering you on loudly from Toulon!”
World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year Werner Kok headlines the group despite missing the 2015-16 series with a knee injury, while 14-time Springbok centre Juan de Jongh made the cut and fellow Test Springbok Francois Hougaard joins Chris Dry as the two reserves who will stay outside the Olympic village.
South Africa Sevens: Kyle Brown (c), Tim Agaba, Philip Snyman, Werner Kok, Dylan Sage, Kwagga Smith, Rosko Specman, Cheslin Kolbe, Cecil Afrika, Justin Geduld, Juan de Jongh, Seabelo Senatla.
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