The former Laerskool Rynfield and Hoërskool Brandwag learner was an integral part of the Blitzbok squad that won World Rugby’s 2016/2017 Sevens Series.
The Blitzboks claimed their first World Series title win since the 2008/2009 season, winning five of the 10 tournaments and totally dominating the Sevens circuit.
The City Times caught up with Nel who celebrated a century of caps in the sevens green and gold in the clash against Wales at the London Sevens.
Sports journalist Logan Green threw some questions at the Blitzbok:
LG: The boys just secured World Rugby’s Seven World Series title, how special is the achievement and what does it feel like to be a part of this champion team?
RN: It is an extremely special achievement to be crowned world champions. Knowing that I have been part of the squad in all 10 tournaments this year also contributes towards the overwhelming feeling that comes with lifting the cup. It has been an unbelievable season and to have been part of it from start to finish is special.
LG: What do you think made this team so successful?
RN: I think that the maturity of the team played a massive role in the success of the year. Losing a couple of players like Seabelo [Senatla] and Kwagga [Smith] to Super Rugby and then, Justin [Geduld], Kyle [Brown], Stephan [Dippenaar] and Tim [Agaba] early in the season to injuries really forced the rest of the team to show composure and maturity. I still remember the media going on after Wellington and Sydney about the fact that we wouldn’t be able to perform without Seabelo and Kwagga, and then the following tournament, we won in Vegas and played in the Vancouver and Hong Kong finals. It was kind of nice to close a couple of mouths out there.
LG: You played your 100th match for the Blitzboks in the game against Wales in London. What does this achievement mean to you?
RN: Getting your first cap is always special, let alone your 100th. To be honest I only heard afterwards that I had just played my 100th match for the Blitzboks. If I were to have known it before the time I do not think I would have approached anything differently. It still remains the same game with the same focus.
LG: Where to now for you in rugby? What are you turning your attention to now?
RN: At this stage I am enjoying a short break. I will be playing some Currie Cup rugby this year, but unfortunately we will have to wait for the official South African Rugby Union (SARU) release before I can spill the beans on where I will be playing. I am still signed with the sevens side until end of 2018, with my focus shifting after the Currie Cup to the World Series, Commonwealth Games and World Cup next year.
LG: In France, you and your Blitzbok teammates met Tom Cruise on the set of the new Mission Impossible film. What was that experience like?
RN: At first it was a surreal moment, because you see this famous movie star who you have only seen in big movies like Mission Impossible and Edge of Tomorrow. We were all a bit star-struck for a moment or two, but Tom was really humble, down to earth, making jokes and was really engaging with the guys. Everything that you expected him not to be, he was. We actually said afterwards that he has so much more fame and attention around him than any “celeb” in South Africa, yet he not only took time, but made it quality time spent with us.
LG: When will you be visiting Benoni again?
RN: I will be back in Benoni for a couple of days from Wednesday (May 31). I am going to spend some time with family and friends before I have to head back for Currie Cup preparations.
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