The North-West University (NWU) is proving that it is more than just a rugby force in the 15-man code. Six NWU players – the most from any university - were included in the South African Sevens squad that will compete in the SISU World University Rugby Sevens Championship in Swakopmund, Namibia.

They are:  Hein Kritzinger, Gideon van der Merwe, Lungelo Gosa, Rhyno Smith (captain), Eugene Hare and Diederick Oberholzer.

With Smith as captain, the team boasts an exceptional player with ample Varsity Cup experience, as well as a learned boot. Smith has also featured for the Sharks in the Super Rugby tournament. Lungelo Gosa has represented his country in Rugby Sevens Academy team.

Mention must also be made of young Eugene Hare, son of legendary Western Transvaal and Leopards scrumhalf/flyhalf, Eugene Hare. The elder Hare is currently serving as chief executive officer of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union and holds the record for most appearances for West Transvaal/Leopards, having appeared in more than 170 games for the union and captaining them on 129 occasions.

The team will be coached by NWU Sevens mastermind Pieter van den Berg who will guide his team through Pool C where they are drawn with Australia, China and Botswana.