The Leyds family is beaming with pride following the inclusion of their son Tristan in the Blitzboks squad that will participate in the Paris Olympics that opens on Friday 26 July.
Leyds, who will play flyhalf for the Blitzboks and made his debut in SA colours at the HSBC Sevens Series tournament in Perth in January, played for DHL Western Province in the Currie Cup and represented the DHL Stormers in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship before being called up to the Blitzboks squad.
The Strand local has been in fine form since, most notably at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, the Repechage Qualifying Tournament in Monaco last month. He was superb for the SA sevens team, scoring 49 points over the weekend (five tries and 12 conversions), and playing a big role in wins over Mexico, Tonga, Chile, Uganda, Canada and Great Britain to secure qualification.
His proud father Gershwin said it was immensely special to have an Olympian in the family.
“We were always sure that he would make the Olympic Blitzboks squad, because he’s had good tournaments and has been playing really well,” Gershwin said.
“But when the announcement was made, it reality sunk in. It’s surreal to have a family member that’s going to be an Olympian; it’s such an honour and we’re very proud of him.”
Tristan spent the weekend at his family home in Strand, where the family hosted a special lunch to wish him all the best at the Paris Olympics on Sunday. He’ll be leaving with the Blitzbok squad for France today (Wednesday).
Asked if he would also travel to see his son in action at the Games, Gershwin said he recently visited France to meet his newborn granddaughter, daughter of his other son, Dillyn, who plays his rugby for Stade Rochelais in the French Top 14.
“I can’t afford so many trips to France, so I unfortunately won’t travel to see him, but we’ll still be watching and rooting for him.”
Gershwin also admitted that with both his sons achieving great heights in rugby, particularly in France, is somewhat special.
“France has been good to us,” he declared.
