Tricky Ricky raring to work magic for Blitzboks

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The breakout star from a difficult 2023 season for the Blitzboks, Ricardo Duarttee is eager to make his first appearance of the 2024 Sevens Series a memorable one in Perth this weekend.

Perth as a venue will bring a fresh outlook to the 2024 Sevens season, but even if the tournament was played on the South Pole, Duarttee hopes to be a ray of sunshine to the Blitzboks’ effort, the 26-year-old playmaker said on Wednesday.

After being named as World Rugby’s Rookie of the Year for the 2023 season, “Tricky Ricky” missed out in Dubai and Cape Town as the coaching staff decided to go with a fit-again Selvyn Davids and Ronald Brown in the playmaker/sweeper role.

This time around though, and much to his relief, Duarttee was named in the squad to travel to the third tournament of the season.

“It is massive to be back,” said Duarttee. “It was not nice missing out as I wanted to be part of another full season, but I understand why the coaches opted for a different combination.

“You have to handle disappointments as well, as it’s all part of the bigger meaning of life. For me, it was a matter of self-belief, I still believed that I could contribute to the team and worked hard to prove that. This weekend will not be about me though, it will be about the team and how we can perform here in Perth.”

Duarttee is quick to add that, despite the accolade from last season, he is still learning and growing as a sevens player, and he tuned into his responsibilities for the weekend.

“There are some really good players in this set-up and in a way, I was lucky to be able to learn from them when I arrived here,” he said.

“That has not changed as I still try and become a better player every day. Communication is important, everybody must know what the others are planning or expecting. Off the field, I am also hoping to be putting the guys in a good mood and wanting to go out there and enjoy the moment.”

Photo: Photo: Shaun Roy/BackpagePix

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