One of the rare photos has Rosko Specman playing cricket with other member of Blitz Boks, the South Africa 7s team. 

Before and after each game, Specman or ‘Specmagic” as he was popularly known would go down on his knees in prayer. On the pitch, Specman had unmatched acceleration and a wicked sidestep that left opponents dazzled. Unmistakable in his traditional dreadlocks, Specman, who announced his retirement after the Cape Town Sevens after seven seasons in the World Rugby Sevens World Series has been receiving accolades.

Players, past and present, and fans from all over the world, New Zealand, Fiji, Kenya, Uganda and elsewhere acknowledged his prowess on and off the pitch. Among those who wrote congratulatory messages to Specman on his Instagram page were Bryan Habana, D.J. Forbes, a formew New Zealand Sevens captain and many others. 

A simple announcement on his Instagram handle read: “The end of an era – seven seasons on the World Series 7s circuit wrapped up in this one jersey. It’s been a blessing”

The reactions were cordial. Here are some: 

• In another time. In another context, you are definitely one of the best.
• Speckilicious respect brother
• Spec Magic.
• Congratulations on an incredible career.
• Watching you was exhilarating every time. Thanks for inspiring a nation.

His exploiits were summed up in a special commemorative Blitz Boks jersey as follows:

Rosko Specman

36 tournaments

476 points (88 tries, 18 conversions)

Debut: Las Vegas 2014

World Series winners 2016/2017, 2017/2018, 

Rugby Sevens Olympics 2016, 2024 (bronze)

Rugby World Cup Sevens, 2018 (bronze)

Rugby World Sevens, Player of the Year Nominee (2017)

The bottom of the jersey had the following words:

“Inspiring hope. Pioneers of greatness.”

Specman joins a long list of players of the shorter version of the game who announced their retirement after the end of the 2023/2024 season.