When Tristan Leyds was named 2026 Men’s SVNS Player of the Year, his family shared an emotional moment that captured just how far his journey had taken him.

Tristan Leyds charges forward for South Africa, closing in on the try line. Image: SA Rugby

When the Blitzboks secured back-to-back World Championship titles in Bordeaux in early June, Tristan Leyds had another reason to remember the celebrations. At the awards ceremony that followed, he was named Men’s SVNS Player of the Year. His wife, parents and older brother, former Springbok Dillyn Leyds, were watching from the stands. It was one of the very few times Tristan had ever seen his father cry.

The ceremony marked a poignant moment for Tristan, whose rugby journey had once been at a crossroads. When he arrived at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) on a rugby scholarship, he was recovering from a serious injury to his eye socket. He was in a bad place, unsure whether he wanted to continue playing. UWC allowed him to find his way back.

Under the late Chester Williams, with support from coaches including Bolla Conradie and Clément Trout, Tristan rediscovered his confidence and, crucially, his love for the game.

“Thanks to them, I found myself in a better place. I rediscovered my love for rugby,” he says.

UWC alumnus Tristan Leyds celebrates his outstanding season after being named the 2026 Men’s SVNS Player of the Year at the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Bordeaux. Image: SA Rugby

That renewed belief soon translated into consistently exceptional performances. Playing fullback for UWC, Tristan was part of a talented side that won the Varsity Shield and earned promotion to the Varsity Cup.

He remembers the camaraderie between those team members and the friendships they forged on the field.

From UWC, his journey continued through Western Province and the Stormers before he made his international sevens debut in 2024. Later that year, he represented South Africa at the Paris Olympics, helping the Blitzboks win bronze.
Then came 2026.

Tristan played a pivotal role in a remarkable Blitzboks season, scoring 124 points, including 16 tries and 22 conversions. South Africa won five titles during the HSBC SVNS Series before successfully defending their World Championship title.

Tristan became the first South African man in a decade to win the Player of the Year award. Yet even at the summit of his sport, he is quick to acknowledge the people who helped him get there.

For UWC, Tristan’s story is about more than sporting success. It is a testament to what can happen when talent meets opportunity, when coaches believe in a player and when someone at a crossroads is given the space to find their way again.

Now, with his sights firmly set on the 2028 Olympics, Tristan has another goal: turning bronze into gold.