Blitzbok to go from tears to cheers

Blitzbok Ronald Brown is set to run out for his maiden Rugby World Cup Sevens appearance at the Cape Town Stadium, where three years ago he watched on teary eyed from the stands.

At the time, Brown was merely a spectator and cried as the Blitbokz ran out for the Cape Town Sevens final against eventual champions New Zealand at the Cape Town Stadium in 2019.

Fast forward to 2022 and he will now run out as a player at the same venue on Friday evening when South Africa face the winner between Germany and Chile.

"I am a pretty emotional guy, so will definitely feel that on Friday. The last time I was here, in 2019, I brought a friend who attended his first sevens tournament ever and we started crying when the Blitzboks ran onto the field for that final, such a proud and awesome moment it was for us, even as a spectator. This time I am playing, it is really amazing to realise that," Brown said.

"I will definitely feel the emotion again, but I prefer it like that. I will be proud and pumped to play in front of my family and our supporters, which is one of my ˜why's™ in the game. I love playing for my country and to do it in front of the family and supporters will be so, so special."

Having missed out on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Los Angeles last month after suffering a shoulder injury at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Brown recovered just in time to be part of his first World Cup Sevens.

"I have not played at a World Cup and was desperate to make this one. I did not mind losing out playing in Los Angeles, knowing that it will help to get to Cape Town," he added.

"I have played in the World Series, so did not mind missing a tournament, but this World Cup Sevens is going to be special. At this stage I am feeling more excitement than nerves, but that will come closer to kick-off."

By Web Admin