Western Province draft in Blitzboks to spark 2025 Currie Cup revival

By SABC Sport
24th June 2025

Western Province have signalled their intent to make a serious push in the Currie Cup, securing the services of three high-calibre Blitzboks to inject pace, skill, and intensity into their campaign.

According to Netwerk24, WP and Springbok Sevens head coach Philip Snyman have struck a loan agreement that will see Tristan Leyds, Zain Davids, and Quewin Nortje join the Cape-based union for the domestic season. The trio brings international sevens pedigree to a squad intent on improving significantly on last year's disappointing seventh-place finish.

Adding further depth to the squad, Gideon van Wyk - a standout in the Blitzboks 'A' team that recently clinched the Africa Sevens title in Mauritius - will also be available for selection during the campaign.

The recruitment move provides a strong clue as to the tactical direction new head coach Labeeb Levy is charting. Previously the Stormers' skills and performance analyst, Levy steps into the top job with a clear preference for a high-tempo, high-skill game - traits synonymous with South Africa's elite sevens players.

Bringing in the likes of Davids, Leyds and Nortje not only increases WP's attacking threat but also underscores a shift towards a more dynamic and mobile game plan, with an emphasis on work rate and versatility across the park.

Backing Levy's transition into head coach is a support staff rich in experience. Former Springbok centre and assistant coach Brendan Venter joins as a consultant, while recently-retired stalwarts Brok Harris and Dewaldt Duvenage take up assistant coaching roles. The trio brings a wealth of tactical knowledge and leadership to a squad seeking a fresh identity and renewed purpose.

Western Province will kick off their 2025 Currie Cup campaign with a mouth-watering north-south derby against the Blue Bulls at Cape Town Stadium on 27 July - a fixture that could set the tone for a revitalized season under Levy's watch.