At the intersection of elite sport and academic excellence stands Zander Reynders – a rising Blitzbok star and proud new graduate of the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT).

Fresh off a gold-medal finish at the 2025 HSBC SVNS World Championship in Los Angeles, the 24-year-old is showing the world that determination, discipline and dual ambition can drive greatness.

Reynders recently received his BEng Computer Engineering degree at the graduation ceremony for UP’s Faculty of EBIT. As both a national athlete and a qualified computer engineer, Reynders’ journey began in UP’s lecture halls and continued on the TuksSport rugby fields, which has now taken him to the global stage.

In only his third tournament as a fully-fledged Blitzbok, Reynders helped power South Africa to a commanding 19–5 win over Spain in the Los Angeles final, securing the Blitzboks’ second title of the season. While fans will remember Selvyn Davids’ length-of-the-field brilliance and Ricardo Duarttee’s clinching try, it was the cohesion, composure, and depth of the team – including up-and-comers like Reynders – that defined the weekend.

“It’s been a blur. Being part of this squad, standing on that podium in LA… it’s everything I dreamed about when I used to watch these games with my family during December holidays,” Reynders said.

In December, Reynders got the call-up he had always dreamed of. After an impressive run with the Blitzboks Academy and a strong training camp in Stellenbosch, he made his debut for the Blitzboks in Cape Town and helped the team lift that trophy.

Just months later, at the HSBC SVNS World Championship, he was part of another historic win. The Blitzboks dominated their pool, outclassed New Zealand in the semi-final, and delivered a defensive masterclass against Spain to claim the title. For Reynders, the moment was surreal, not only as a player but as a UP alumnus stepping into the footsteps of heroes like fellow Blitzbok and UP alumnus Impi Visser.

“Standing alongside someone like Impi, who’s represented both UP and the country with such distinction, inspires me to uphold the same standards,” he said. Now that he’s playing on a global stage, he draws on the mindset shaped in UP’s EBIT Faculty. “Engineering taught me to stay calm under pressure and think critically. In a final like that, it’s not just about fitness – it’s about mental clarity.” He completed his degree while representing UP-Tuks in the Varsity Cup.

“Engineering taught me to think analytically and stay calm under pressure. That mindset helps on the rugby field too, whether it’s solving a defensive puzzle or executing a set piece.” From backyard games with his brothers to the global stage of the HSBC SVNS World Championship, Reynders’ journey is far from over. With two international titles already under his belt, he remains focused on growing as a Blitzbok, but he’s equally determined to use his platform to make a meaningful impact beyond the try line.

“My goal is to live a life of impact. On the athletic front, I want to keep contributing to the Blitzboks and embrace every chance to represent South Africa with pride. But I’m also passionate about using my engineering background to drive innovation – especially in areas like sustainable development and conservation,” Reynders said.

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