With the rugby season for the 15-man code taking a break in the Southern Hemisphere, the upcoming Sevens Series gives rugby players the opportunity to remain sharp and competitive.

One of the players who jumped at this opportunity is Cheetahs centre, Robert Ebersohn, who, instead of opting for a break after a long season, was called up to the Blitzbokke squad for the first three events in the World Sevens Tour.

Ebersohn replaces IRB World Sevens Player of the year, Cecil Afrika after the latter sustained a fractured cheekbone recently, ruling him out of the opening event.

Ebersohn is no stranger to Paul Treu’s squad, he was the member of the team who won South Africa’s first and only World Sevens Series title in 2009 and his relationships at the Cheetahs since have brought him some dividends.

“It’s thanks to Hawies Fourie (backline coach for the Cheetahs) who pulled a few strings.

“I was eager to come and then called Hawies to hear what he thought. He is the one who granted me the opportunity,” Ebersohn said in Thursday’s Die Burger.

The 22-year-old believes that he won’t have it his own way and will still have to work hard if he wants to take part in the ever popular World Series.

“I want to believe that I am not the sort of person who rocks up and thinks that I should automatically be selected for the touring party,” said Ebersohn.

“You are serving your country when you play for the Blitzbokke and you work hard to hopefully be granted the honour to represent them.”

Although many players have used Sevens as a platform from which to launch themselves to greater honours in the 15-man code in the past, Ebersohn does not want to turn his back on the competition which has made him a household name since.

“I always want to be part of this (Sevens rugby) in one way or the other.  I am inclined not be the sort of person who only turns up to help for three short tournaments and then takes everything and leaves.

“Furthermore, Sevens has developed so much since I left – it is therefore a learning experience all from over again. I am just grateful for the opportunity to learn something new”, said Ebersohn.