Exclusive: "Tricky Ricky" Grateful to be Back in the Blitzboks Squad Again

Former World Sevens Rookie of the Year Former World Sevens Rookie of the Year Ricardo Duarttee returns to the fold after a fallout with the coaches, which led to his departure from the team. Duartee had to find other means to keep active in the 7s scene.

Since his last tournament in Vancouver earlier this year, he joined Russian sevens team Narvskaya Zastava, coached by former Blitzbok Vuyo Zanqga.

Current coach Philip Snyman said, "there will be discussions at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season about having Ricky back."

Duartee Returns for the Dubai Leg

Duartee was announced in the squad for the first leg of the HSBC 7s circuit. Duarttee’s return marks a story of resilience and redemption as he reintegrates into an environment where mutual respect and shared goals now take center stage.

"I am very grateful to be back in action. We have been training hard in the last 3 blocks and very confident. Grateful is probably the most accurate way to express how I am feeling now," he told SportsBoom.com. 

"The players [in the environment] embraced me with open arms, there were no signs of awkwardness. They were really glad to have me back actually."

Rejoining the Team: A New Chapter

Reports of a strained relationship between Duarttee and the previous coaching staff, combined with limited game time, ultimately led to his departure. The team has since transitioned under the leadership of Philip Snyman, fostering a rejuvenated environment

"To be honest, that story has been spoken about already. I don't want to talk about it, I feel like everyone is in a good space at the moment...the players and the coaches are both in a good space. To bring that story back, would be redundant."

"There is not much to say about it anymore, we only want to focus on what is happening now and that is being the best team we can be. We want to go out and do the best we can in this Dubai tournament."

Mindset Heading Into Dubai

Duartee is familiar with Dubai, he debuted for the Blitzboks two ago at Dubai leg of the circuit. Being out of action for the nationality set up for a while, he shares his mindset ahead of the tournament being held this weekend.

"I am very confident. Obviously this first time I went to Dubai, it was my debut tournament and didn't know what to expect. But now coming in the set up again, I know what to expect, I am better as a player, I have more experience now...I am confident heading into this tournament."

"The way I approach training or game situations hasn't really changed much. I always looking to bring the best version of myself to the field and to every game I play."

Message from new Coach Snyman

There will be a different feel for Duarttee as he will be coached under Philip Snyman, who took the team to a Bronze Medal at the Olympics.

"He [Snyman] really wants me to be myself and get out of my box, to enjoy every moment I step onto that field."

Objectives for 2024/25 SVNS Season

Duarttee is eager to seize this second chance, with the Dubai leg serving as a launchpad for his goals of becoming the team’s top playmaker and contributing to a successful season for the Blitzboks.  

"For this season, I want to be the best playmaker for this team. On the field and off the field, I want to ensure I put my team in the best possible position to win every trophy that we can."

Selvyn Davids: A Mentor and Star

Teammate Selvyn Davids was recognised as one of the standout performers throughout the season and was rewarded with a place in the World Rugby Sevens Dream Team. Duarttee had high praises for his teammate.

"Selvyn is an amazing person and player too. He was a great captain when I was there. He was my mentor when I first started, he would have extra kicking sessions with me and he would talk about the game with me. Selvyn has been a big part of my journey in the Springbok jersey."

"He deserves the dream team selection. And honestly in my opinion, he is one of the best sevens players in the world at the moment."

"As an individual, you always want to get recognised [like Davids]. But for myself my main focus I want to perform for the team and if I get recognised, that would extra for me."

As Duarttee steps back onto the global stage, his story of perseverance and growth serves as a reminder of the importance of resilience, teamwork, and the drive to always strive for excellence.