THE LAST DANCE

Wynona Louw

The Rugby World Cup Sevens could be the perfect send-off for outgoing Blitzboks coach Neil Powell.

UNDER Neil Powell the Blitzboks have become a juggernaut on the Sevens world stage.

Since 2013, they have won three HSBC World Series titles and finished second in this year’s competition.

They have also claimed two Commonwealth Games gold medals (2014 and 2022), and at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, where Sevens made its Olympic debut, the Blitzboks became the first South African team to win a medal – bronze – in the code at the showpiece.

The team also strung together a remarkable 36-match unbeaten run, which ended in April.

But after 15 years of being involved with the Blitzboks – first as a player and now as coach – the Rugby World Cup Sevens will be Powell’s swansong.

Powell led the Blitzboks to a 36-game unbeaten run. - ANA Pics

The 44-year-old is heading to Durban to take over as the Sharks director of rugby.

“It’s becoming more of a reality, to be honest,” Powell said of his looming departure. “I had my moments during the Commonwealth Games (in Birmingham). It does become difficult, knowing that this will come to an end. It’s obviously a special system and there are special people, but in saying that, I am also ready for a new challenge.

“I have done what I can and gave what I could to the system. It’s time for a new challenge and a new environment, but it is tough and it does become more real as we get closer to the time.”

Powell is confident, though, that the Blitzboks will be in good hands after his departure.

“Whoever is going to take over, the team will be in good hands. They will just build on what we have already achieved in the system. It’s going to be strange to be sitting on this side of the TV, watching the Springbok Sevens play because I’ve been part of it for the last 15 years,” he said.

“But I know that the guys who take over the coaching responsibilities will look after the system, both from a cultural perspective and an onfield perspective.”

He will be looking forward to spending more time with his family.

- ANA Pictures

Powell has helped create a special system and culture at the Blitzboks. - BackpagePix

Neil Powell is bidding farewell to the Blitzboks after 15 years.