Renfred Dazel has been added to the Blitzboks’ coaching staff, while Paul Delport has been promoted to head coach of the Springbok Women’s Sevens team.

Former Blitzbok stalwart Dazel, who had coached the Springbok Women’s Sevens team since October 2013, has joined Neil Powell as an assistant coach. Delport has been elevated to the women’s sevens role after serving as SA Sevens Academy assistant coach in recent seasons.

In another addition to the management, Warren Adams has been seconded from the Springbok management team to the position of strength and conditioning coach for the Springbok Sevens, which was a post left vacant by the departure of Allan Temple-Jones last year.

‘These appointments will not only streamline our sevens operations, but will further strengthen the working relationships between our national sevens teams based in Stellenbosch,’ SA Rugby’s director of rugby Rassie Erasmus said.

‘The Blitzboks have a full season ahead of them, with not only eight tournaments left in the World Series, but also a Commonwealth Games and Sevens World Cup on the horizon, so it was important to strengthen the management structures.

‘Neil requested the appointment of an assistant coach a while ago, and he and Renfred enjoyed a solid relationship over many years, so it will be an easy fit. Warren is very highly rated in his field and has worked with the sevens team before, so is ideally suited to fill the vacancy left by Allan.’

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images