VIDEO: Lockdown with a BlitzBok

SPOTLIGHT: Known as a destroyer of defences and knocking people down with his determined tackling, but since the COVID-19 pandemic Werner Kok had to change his ways quite a bit.

In fact, the experienced Blitzbok star is determined to assist his fellow South Africans with a positive message during the lockdown and hopes to make an impact in their lives in this time, however small it might be.

Kok was amongst the first South Africans to be forced into self-isolation two weeks ago after the Blitzboks returned home from the Canada Sevens in Vancouver.

Kok used this early jump on his fellow South Africans to film himself doing a number of easy-to-do training tips which he posted to his Instagram account.

“I had some time on my hands, yes and decided to do something that would benefit everyone,” Kok explained with a huge smile.

“I love exercise and it was an easy thing to do. What I wanted to show is that you don't always need gym equipment to exercise and you can use your bodyweight just as effectively.”

The Springbok Sevens player left South Africa in late February with much anticipation of playing in his 50th tournament for the Blitzboks. This turned out a memorable one, as the South Africans claimed the LA Sevens.

Upon returning to South Africa, the World Rugby Sevens Series was adjusted and moved to September and October and the Olympic Games, due in Japan in July, was postponed till 2021.

These steps meant that Kok has, in effect, played his last tournament for the Springbok Sevens. He is due to join up with the Sharks after the Olympics and will still do so in August, which rules him out of the remainder of the World Series.

“I still hope to play in the Olympics next year, but that is a whole new conversation now,” Kok admits.