Ricardo Duarttee has held successful talks over his reintegration with the Blitzboks after falling out with the coaching staff earlier this year.
According to a report by Netwerk24, Duarttee has spoken with Sevens high-performance manager Marius Schoeman and Blitzboks head coach Philip Snyman over making a return to the Blitzboks.
The maverick playmaker landed himself in hot water after withdrawing from the Blitzboks squad for the North American leg of the Sevens Series following a reported disagreement with coaches over his role in the team.
Despite being named SA Rugby’s Sevens Player of the Year for 2023 at the official awards ceremony held after the North American leg, Duarttee joined Russian sevens team Narvskaya Zastava, coached by former Blitzbok Vuyo Zangqa.
According to the report, Duarttee and Blitzboks management have agreed that he broke the team’s code of conduct and, as punishment, will not train with the team for the next two months.
However, Duarttee’s national contract will still be honoured and Snyman, a big believer in second chances, will allow him the opportunity to earn a place back in the squad.
The Blitzboks are next in action in the Singapore Sevens from 3 to 5 May, before the winner-takes-all final leg of the Series in Madrid between 31 May and 2 June.
The final qualifying tournament for the Olympic Games takes place in Monaco between 21 and 23 June.
Photo: David Van Der Sandt/Gallo Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
