Three of South Africa’s most exciting young rugby talents have been included in the 12-man squad to participate in the Dubai Sevens on December 2 and 3. Former SA Schools and SA Under-19 captain Gcobani Bobo, former SA Schools and SA Under-21 scrumhalf Johannes Conradie and SA Under-19 and Under-21 utility back Conrad Jantjes will get their first taste of international Sevens rugby at the event. They are part of an experienced squad led by stalwart Jacques Olivier and which also includes Roger Smith, Dirkie Strydom, Andries Fourie, Jeffrey Stevens. Paul Treu, Hannes Venter, Helgard Brink and Warren Brits. Bobo, who began his career on the flank, has switched to centre with great success. A move from the Cape to Johannesburg saw him become a regular in the Golden Lions side that won this year’s Bankfin Under-21 “A” tournament. Conradie, a regular in the Western Province Presidents and Under-21 teams in recent seasons, put in some impressive performances during the Sevens trials nine days ago to win his place in the squad. Jantjes, who played for the SA Under-21’s at the age of 19, has consistently impressed through his versatility and creativity. With coach Deon Oosthuyzen seeking consistency, the squad is likely to form the core of South Africa’s representation during the new IRB Sevens World Series, of which the Dubai event is the opening leg. South Africa will host the second leg of the Series at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 December. In all, the Series will feature 10 tournaments in as many countries between December 1999 and May 2000. Sixteen teams will take part in the Stellenbosch tournament, amongst them world champions, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Samoa, Argentina, Morocco, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Namibia. The IRB World Sevens Series schedule for 1999-2000 is: December 2-3 – Dubai Sevens December 10-11- South African Sevens, Stellenbosch January 6-7 – Punta del Este, Uruguay January 12-13 – Mar del Plata, Argentina February 5-6 – Wellington, New Zealand February 12-13 – Australian, venue tba February 19-20 – Fiji Sevens, Suva March 24-26 – Hong Kong Sevens April 1-2 – Japan Sevens, Tokyo May 27-29 – France, Paris SA Squad: Jacques Olivier (capt), Hannes Venter, Helgard Brink, (Blue Bulls), Gcobani Bobo, Conrad Jantjes (Golden Lions), Roger Smith, Dirkie Strydom (Griquas), Andries Fourie (Mpumalanga), Warren Britz (Natal), Paul Treu (SWD), Johannes Conradie, Jeffrey Stevens (WP) For further information please contact the SARFU Press Office: Tel:+27 21 685 3038 Fax: +27 21 685 6771 Website: www.sarfu.org.za