Blitzboks forward Chris Dry will be fit for the start of the 2018-19 World Rugby Sevens Series after recovering from a knee injury.

Dry, who has played 309 matches in 64 tournaments for his country, missed eight of the 10 tournaments last season.

The squad’s most experienced member says he cannot wait to get back on to the playing field and push for a place in the team for the opening leg in Dubai.

‘We won in Dubai last year and then I snapped my knee ligaments in Cape Town a week later, and that was the season for me,’ Dry said.

‘I am ready and fit right now and will be pushing the rest of the guys really hard to get back into that starting team. I really missed working with these guys and I am delighted to be back in the groove with them.’

Dry will have the opportunity to overtake Frankie Horne’s record of 68 consecutive appearances during the 2018-19 season, but that is not a driving force for the big forward.

‘Frankie played in 68 consecutive tournaments and that is something that will not be eclipsed soon,’ Dry added. ‘For me, it is all about getting back into the team and contributing.

‘It is going to be a huge couple of months for us before the series starts again and we will be pushed hard. All of us are looking forward to the season and we are pretty excited, although we know there will be some pain coming our way.’

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images