Sir Lowry’s Pass-born Gino Cupido is set to make his debut as a Blitzbok in Hong Kong. He made his Curie Cup debut with Western Province last year.
Gino Cupido has been selected for the Springboks Sevens team in Hong Kong this weekend. Standing at 1.8 meters tall, the speedster has certainly made his mark in South African rugby. Here, we look back at Cupido’s sporting achievements over the past few years.
From Tiny Seeds Grow Mighty Trees
Born in 2005 in the tiny community of Sir Lowry’s Pass, he went on to study at Hoërskool Strand. His school friends described him as a born leader who also excelled in rugby and athletics. He was mentored by sports coach Neil Daniels during this period, who helped him in honing his rugby skills. In addition to being selected for the SA Schools A team, he was chosen to play for Western Province during the 2022 U18 SA Rugby Craven Week played in George.
He travelled to Trinidad and Tobago to represent South Africa in the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games. He had been promoted to the SA Schools squad, representing Western Province. Following a contentious final pool match versus Scotland, the South African squad went on to earn bronze. Upon returning to home soil, Cupido rejoined the SA U18 Men’s Team for the International Series. Following a close loss against France (23-26), he scored a try, which helped secure a win against England (40-24).
Cupido’s Arrival At The Big Arena
Rugby scouts had their eye on the rising sports star, and after progressing to the SA U19 team, DHL Western Province signed him up. He competed in two of the 2024 Currie Cup matches for WP. Those were against the Hollywoodbets Sharks and Airlink Pumas. In December 2024, he was included in the SA “A-side and travelled to Dubai for the Dubai International, playing in his usual position at centre.
This week Selvyn Davids had the honour of presenting Cupido with his training jersey. Before presenting the shirt, Davids said, “You have been training without the Springboks on your chest, but from today, you have a Springbok on your chest. You’re not just here to fill a place or to be a number; you are here because the coaches saw something in you. I think you will achieve great things. I think you deserve to wear the jersey, and good luck; well done.” Cupido was all smiles as he put his jersey on. The rest of the team congratulated him.
Earlier this week, Springbok Sevens coach Philip Snyman said, “Gino is talented and has been close to selection a couple of times, and I am pleased for him.” Kevin Fotte, head coach for the Junior Springboks, has confirmed that Cupido will be returning to the team once the Sevens Hong Kong campaign is complete. The Junior Boks have upcoming appearances in the U20 Rugby Championship as well as the World Rugby U20 Championship later this year.
Team Changes
There are three replacements for the team this weekend. Ronald Brown is nursing an injury and is not available. David Brits is on rotation, having played in four tournaments, and Sebastiaan Jobb is serving his red card penalty, picked up in Canada. As well as Cupido, the team welcomed back Zach Davids, who has recovered from the knee injury suffered in Perth.
The other welcomed return was Hong Kong veteran Dewald Human, who replaces Brown at fly-half. Seated in Pool B, the Blitzboks will have to overcome Uruguay, Australia, and New Zealand to secure a place in the elusive Hong Kong Cup final. Snyman is optimistic that the goal of finishing in the top four is achievable.
The Hong Kong Sevens Blitzboks
The Blitzboks, often known as the Springbok Sevens team, have established themselves as a formidable force over the last 26 years. With victories in 2009, 2017, 2018, and 2021, they are popular with supporters. The Blitzboks bring large audiences to Cape Town to see the competition.
Hong Kong is a famous stop on the Sevens tour. This year, it is taking place at the newly finished Kai Tak Sports Park,. The venue is a stone’s throw from the Hong Kong Stadium. Can the 2025 squad break the curse of Hong Kong and take the winning place this year? Tune in from 28 – 30 March to find out.
