Fit-again Blitzbok star Gino Cupido eager to make up for lost time in Spain

Cupido has already enjoyed remarkable success early in his career, helping South Africa win titles on both the junior and sevens international stages.

The 20-year-old outside back was part of the Junior Springboks squad that won the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Italy in 2025, before contributing to the Blitzboks' successful 2025/26 HSBC SVNS campaign, which included tournament victories in Cape Town, Perth, Vancouver and New York.

Cupido also made an immediate impact on his Blitzboks debut in Hong Kong last season when he scored with his first touch of the ball.

Now, preparing for only his fourth tournament appearance for the Springbok Sevens side after missing out on the first of the three World Championship events last month due to injury, Cupido will again look to help South Africa challenge for silverware.

"It is great to be back, especially as I was cleared a bit earlier than originally planned, and to be part of the World Championship is great," said Cupido from Valladolid, following an eventful trip to the Spanish city.

"I did not play in that once-off tournament last year, and I missed out last month in Hong Kong (which the Blitzboks won), but now I am so grateful to be part of the squad for the final two events."

The Blitzboks were delayed in Amsterdam because of a flat airplane tyre and a rough landing, but Cupido sees that as part of the journey.

"The three-hour trip from Madrid was also long, but it all was worth it, as we are the privileged ones to be here," he said. "I know how some of the squad back home would swop places any day, so we count our blessings being on tour and part of such an amazing group."

It made the rehabilitation process worth it, Cupido reflected: "Yes, the timing of my injuries this year was not great, as I also missed the win in Cape Town and the special one in Hong Kong, but one thing about this squad, our wins are literally for everyone involved, whether we are part of the squad or back home.

"Rehab can be lonely but knowing that you are building your body to come back to this team makes it worth the while."

The squad will have a training session late afternoon, but it will not â- as per Spanish custom â- be a lazy siesta.

"We have some work to do, you can never rest on your laurels and this team always get back to zero, something we will do again," said Cupido. "There is a target on our backs, and every team wants to beat us, so there will be no time to fool around."

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