Blitzboks released from quarantine at Tokyo Olympics

The Team SA men’s Sevens team have been given the green light to continue their preparations for the Tokyo Olympics with all players in the squad being cleared by local health authorities on Thursday.

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Though one member of team management has been deemed a close contact after a passenger on the squad’s flight to Tokyo tested positive for Covid earlier in the week, all other individuals in the 20-member Springbok Sevens contingent were found not to have been in close contact, including all 14 of the players.

The outcome was announced following a stringent process of review and thorough assessment of the circumstances.

While one member of team management will therefore remain in quarantine, the rest of the Blitzboks squad has been released and will be able to continue their final build-up to the Tokyo Games.

The men’s rugby sevens tournament will be held between 26-28 July and the Blitzboks will target another medal after securing bronze at the 2016 Rio Games.

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Team SA’s men Sevens have been drawn in a qualifying group that includes the USA, Kenya and Ireland.

The Blitzboks face Ireland in their opening match on 26 July at 04:00 (SA time) and then play Kenya at 12:00 (SA time) to conclude their match day one programme.

On 27 July, the Blitzboks will face the USA in their final group match at 04:30 (SA time).

The final is scheduled for 11:00 (SA time) on 28 July.

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SA MEN’S SEVEN SQUAD FOR TOKYO OLYMPICS:

Kurt-Lee Arendse, Angelo Davids, Zain Davids, Selvyn Davids, Chris Dry, Branco du Preez, Ronald Brown, Stedman Gans, Justin Geduld, Sakoyisa Makata, JC Pretorius, Siviwe Soyizwapi (captain), Impi Visser 

Travelling reserve: Ruhan Nel