It was nine years ago when Selvyn Davids scored a spectacular try in a school rugby match.
Those who were lucky enough to see that try for Nico Malan High School at the Framesby Field in Gqeberha, still love to talk about it today.
The match was all but over and some of the spectators were making their way to the car park already, when this small guy decided to show off with an unbelievable run, beating one defender after another to score a breathtaking try.
Since that day, Davids has scored many more tries like that and today the 27-year-old from Jeffreys Bay is one of the world’s best players in sevens rugby.
Not only is he one of the best but also one of the most popular and recognisable players with his long hair and bokbaard.
After his brilliant school rugby career, representing Eastern Province at every age level, the scouts of various provinces were hunting the services of this talented youngster.
His career in the 15-man code did not live up to expectations for several reasons.
Davids was reluctant to leave the Eastern Cape, his friends and family, and in this code, he could not enjoy himself to the full.
Then it happened, Davids was picked for the national Sevens squad in 2017 and hasn’t looked back since.
“At the start I learned so much from experienced players like Rosko Specman and Cecil Afrika,” said Davids.
“I am just happy that I took my chances and did justice to the confidence Coach Neil Powell had in me.”
Sevens is the code in which Davids could express himself and showcase those unbelievable skills that are so feared by his opponents.
He has the speed and vision to score tries that no other player can; has an educated boot to use when necessary, and although on the small side, he very seldom lets an attacker pass him.
His playmaker abilities and just his general presence bring calmness to the Blitzboks camp.
His quick thinking and reaction to on-field situations have won many matches but that is how Selvyn rolls – everything is done fast.
When asked about his career he speaks fast, telling you how much he enjoys it and refers to his teammates as his brothers.
He is clearly a team man through and through, even feeling the pain when a fellow player is suffering from injuries.
Davids is not a fan of injuries.
“It is very disappointing when you can’t travel with the team due to injury,” he said.
“You always want to be on the field and in the battle with your brothers.”
This past Sunday, the Blitzboks won their sixth gold medal in a row on the sevens circuit, destroying Australia 33-7 in the final in Seville.
As usual, Davids was one of the stars, something he is not taking for granted.
He keeps on working on his game and said, “We are keen to keep that high standard of play going.”
For him it is never about Selvyn Davids.
Family and friends mean the world to him, and he recognises them in all of his successes.
And then his brothers on the field:
“Without my brothers I would be nothing. We play for each other.
“When you put that jersey on it is about the team and those that the jersey represents.”
Many spectators watch sevens rugby for one reason – because Selvyn Davids is playing.
May we enjoy those wonderful skills from the man from Jeffreys Bay for many years to come.
