‘Almost broke me’: Jobb eyes redemption as Blitzboks look to finish strong

South Africa is heading into the final fortnight of HSBC SVNS action in Europe as the side to beat in the men’s competition, and there is even more on the line for Sebastiaan Jobb.

With just over a week until the Spain SVNS kicks off in Valladolid, the winger has set his sights on finishing a topsy-turvy season by being part of the side that lifts the World Championship trophy in Bordeaux come early June.

It was in stark contrast to late last year, as Jobb watched from the sidelines as the Blitzboks triumphed in Cape Town, a result that kicked off South Africa’s dominance of the 2025-26 regular season.

Until this point, Jobb had endured mixed form since his 2023 debut, suffering several injuries, before 2025 saw him pick up several red cards, missing much of the season.

“I was selected to go to Vancouver and got a red card, and when I got my next opportunity in Singapore in 2025, I was red-carded again and that almost broke me, to be honest,” Jobb said to Times Live in South Africa earlier this week.

So inconsistent was his form that Jobb had only played four tournaments in three years.

However, in that moment in Cape Town last year, the winger promised himself he would be standing with the Blitzboks the next time the side lifted a tournament trophy.

“I was sitting in the Cape Town crowd, and as happy [as] I was for the guys, I [was determined] to make sure I am on the field when we play again,” Jobb affirmed.

“I did well in pre-season, but was not selected for the Dubai and Cape Town legs, which hurt to be honest.

“But I looked at myself, rather than blaming others, and decided to work even harder.”

The results spoke for themselves – with Jobb making the sides that won in Perth, Vancouver, and New York in the regular season, the wins seeing them crowned series champions.

Redemption also came in Singapore for the winger, delivering a strong performance individually despite his side finishing in fourth overall.

Now, with Blitzboks head coach Philip Snyman set to confirm his travelling squad for Spain and France later this week, the winger is determined to put a strong season to good use – and critically, finish the job and win the championship.

“The players are really working hard for each other; our training sessions are intense and full of detail,” Jobb said.

“I’m happy to be a part of that.

“Playing wing in sevens does not mean you can just stand on the outside and wait for someone to pass you the ball; you have to have an all-round game on attack and defence.

“I want to be in the squad, as we are not yet done for the season.

“We have done well, but we can still do better. That is why we are working hard in training; it is a great environment, and to be part of this is what I hoped for.”

The Blitzboks will kick off their campaign in Pool A in Valladolid, taking on Australia, Kenya and Great Britain.

The Blazeboks, meanwhile, will also be in action and fighting to join the women’s World Series after a disappointing result in Hong Kong China, taking on Australia, the USA and Fiji in Pool B.