Today, 19 May, the Springbok Sevens family — and South African rugby at large — pauses to celebrate one of its most gifted and resilient playmakers. Dewald “Japie” Human turns 31, and what a journey it has been from a young kid growing up in Uniondale in the Western Cape to becoming a cornerstone of the Blitzboks’ attacking game on the world stage.
Born in 1995, Human grew up with rugby in his blood. He honed his craft at Hoërskool Outeniqua in George, earning his stripes through SWD Eagles age-group rugby and the prestigious Craven Week tournament before catching the attention of the national selectors. A stint with the Blue Bulls and a brief foray into Super Rugby with the Southern Kings gave him early exposure to professional environments — but it was the sevens game that would define his career.
Finding His Stage in Sevens
Human was contracted into the SA Rugby Sevens Academy as preparation for the 2016 Rio Olympics cycle, and he made his senior Blitzbok debut in the 2016–17 World Rugby Sevens Series. Since then, the fly-half and fullback has established himself as one of the most dangerous playmakers in the shortened format of the game — a creator whose vision, kicking game and footwork have unlocked defences across five continents.
“Whether you start the match or come off the bench, your responsibility remains the same — you need to make sure you put your teammate in a better position and make sure you have his back.” – Dewald Human
A Trophy Cabinet Built Over Nearly a Decade
In more than 31 HSBC SVNS tournaments for the Blitzboks, Human has accumulated over 320 career points — scoring 30 tries and landing 85 conversions. He has been part of a Blitzbok squad that has lifted the World Series tournament trophy on at least eight occasions, travelling to rugby sevens arenas from Hong Kong and Singapore to Vancouver and New York to claim silverware for South Africa.
He also represented South Africa at the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco and was part of the squad at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games — two of the most prestigious tournaments on the sevens calendar. His dual ability to play fly-half and fullback gives coaches tactical flexibility, and his composure under pressure — particularly with the boot — has repeatedly proved decisive in tight knockout matches.
Bouncing Back Stronger
Perhaps what best defines Dewald Human’s career is not just the trophies, but the tenacity. He has battled injury setbacks — missing significant stretches of the 2024–25 and 2025–26 series — only to return refreshed and hungry each time. As recently as early 2026, he rejoined the Blitzboks for the North American leg of the SVNS Series, describing the comeback with characteristic understatement: “I have not played since Singapore last year and I am finally injury free and ready to go.”
Head coach Philip Snyman has consistently spoken of Human as a “senior playmaker” whose return adds both quality and leadership to the squad. Teammates and fans alike know him by the affectionate nickname “Japie” — a reminder that behind the professional excellence is someone who remains grounded, warm, and deeply connected to the Blitzbok brotherhood.
The Best May Yet Be to Come
At 31, Dewald Human is far from finished. With the HSBC SVNS Series still in full swing and major tournaments on the horizon, the Uniondale-born playmaker will be looking to add more silverware to his collection — and perhaps finally taste that elusive home triumph at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, the tournament he has openly dreamed of winning in front of the Blitzboks’ faithful.
From the red clay of the Garden Route to the grandest rugby sevens stages on the planet, Dewald Human has carried the green and gold with skill, heart, and an unshakeable team-first mentality. South Africa is lucky to have him — and today, we celebrate him.
Happy Birthday, Japie! Wishing you a wonderful 31st — from all of us at Just Plain Sport.
📸 Images via Dewald Human IG
