'We will have a target on our backs': Ronald Brown

Springboks Sevens’ Ronald Brown knows that he and his teammates are the team to beat in New York City this weekend.

Last weekend in Vancouver the 30-year-old and his teammates won their third tournament of the HSBC SVNS Series season.

As a result of their success the Blitzboks have drawn level with Fiji at the top of the men’s standings ahead of the sixth and final Series event of 2025/26.

Ahead of this weekend’s tournament at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey, Brown and his teammates have had to re-centre themselves before another two days of high intensity action.

“We have a lot to play for so getting back to zero is important,” Brown said. “We will have a target on our backs and we need to make sure we start afresh. We are still chasing that perfect game, and we cannot rest on our laurels.”

In the wake of their 38-12 win over Spain in the Vancouver SVNS final, South Africa have been named in Pool A with Australia, France and New Zealand.

Back on the Series after he missed Singapore and Perth with injury, Brown was one of several players to shine at BC Place, as Tristan Leyds and Shilton van Wyk won plenty of plaudits for their efforts.

“We have big forwards, so keeping them on the front foot is important and that is part of the backs’ role to keep them in the game,” Brown said. “That is where we come into play.

“I am also lucky that the guys in my position really push hard to make everyone better. Amongst ourselves we are really competitive and that help to bring out the best in everyone.

“Guys like Dewald Human, Tristan Leyds and Selvyn Davids often encourage me and that creates a very good environment in the team.”