Every now and then, a young athlete bursts onto the scene with a story that resonates far beyond sport.
For Gino Cupido, it’s not just about the dazzling tries or the searing pace—it’s about where he comes from, who he represents, and the quiet strength that keeps him grounded.
Still just 19, Gino is already being hailed as one of South Africa’s rising rugby stars.
But his path to this point has been anything but ordinary.
Growing Up in a Community That’s Often Overlooked
Gino proudly calls Sir Lowry’s Pass Village home—a small coloured community nestled between Somerset West and Grabouw.
It’s not a place that regularly gets media spotlight or rugby scouts knocking on doors.
Yet, it’s where Gino’s journey began.
“People always assume I’m from Strand,” he says with a grin. “But I’m really from Sir Lowry’s.
That’s where it all started, at Sir Lowrians RFC.”
He’s quick to point out that he’s not the only talented player from his area—just one of the few who got a real opportunity.
“There are many more guys like me who just don’t get seen,” he adds.
Playing for More Than Just Himself
For Gino, representing South Africa isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s something much deeper.
“This means everything for my family and my community.
Making them proud—that’s what pushes me every day,” he says.
“Without my parents, I wouldn’t be here.”
It’s a message he repeats often: his success is shared, and he wants every young kid from his village to believe that their dreams are valid too.
From Schoolboy Star to International Prospect
Gino’s talent became impossible to ignore during his time at Hoërskool Strand, where he captained rugby teams and shone on the athletics track.
From there, he progressed through the Western Province age-group ranks, lighting up tournaments like Craven Week 2022, and delivering standout performances at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games and the U18 International Series.
By 2024, he was playing senior Currie Cup rugby for Western Province—still a teenager, facing off against seasoned professionals.
That same year, he joined the Junior Boks and the South Africa ‘A’ sevens side.
Making Noise on the Sevens Circuit
But it was his debut for the Blitzboks at the 2025 Hong Kong Sevens that truly made waves.
Coach Philip Snyman described him as “an unknown quantity,” but Gino wasted no time proving himself—sprinting 95 metres for a stunning try against Uruguay and bagging three more before injury briefly interrupted his run.
“I watched that try on my phone over and over,” he laughs. “I kept thinking, ‘Is that really me?’”
Understanding Team Culture and Personal Growth
Now part of the Junior Boks squad for the World Rugby U20 Championship, Gino continues to grow—not just as a player, but as a teammate and leader.
“It’s not just about rugby,” he says thoughtfully.
“We all come from different backgrounds, so we learn from each other—how to respect, how to connect.”
Navigating team dynamics is something he’s learning day by day.
“Sometimes you can joke, sometimes you can’t,” he admits.
“You have to learn how to work with different personalities.”
Fame Isn’t the Goal—Staying Grounded Is
Despite the growing attention, Gino’s attitude remains refreshingly humble.
“For me, it’s not about fame. I pray to stay true to myself, always.
That’s all I can be,” he says.
“Success is about becoming better—not just in rugby, but as a person.”
He credits his coaches throughout the journey—from school mentors to the national setup—with helping him grow.
“They all taught me something different, and the way they care for players—that matters.”
Eyes on the Future, Feet Firmly on the Ground
Now firmly established in both the Blitzboks and Junior Boks setups, Gino has his sights set high.
Lifting the Currie Cup, making his mark in the URC, and one day earning the iconic Springbok jersey—those are the big dreams.
But he knows dreams don’t work unless you do.
“I have goals. Big ones. But I also know it’s about working hard—every day.
That’s how I’ll get there,” he says confidently.
A Voice for the Next Generation
Gino Cupido isn’t just playing for himself.
He’s playing for every kid in a forgotten community, every player who’s been overlooked, every family who’s sacrificed everything.
“I’m playing for myself, my family, and my town,” he says.
“And I know what I have to do to make it count.”