Gerhard also made the @lantic invitational team to the 2007 Dubai IRB Sevens tournament where he was noticed by Paul Treu and subsequently invited to the Springbok sevens training squad.

Gerhard made a name for himself in the Varsity Cup and then stepped up to the Bulls Super 14 Squad.

According to well known sport promoter, Willem Strauss, “the experience Gerhard picked up in the sevens arena has prepared him well for the task at hand. Gerhard’s natural talent, hard work and the opportunities offered to him all culminated in him being fast tracked into first class rugby in a very short time. One thing he has learned is to back himself in one on one situations, a characteristic that is lacking in South African backline play. ”

@lantic Marketing Director, Dederick Venter, commented that “Gerhard’s success makes the investment in the @lantic 7’s series worthwhile. We are all extremely proud of Gerhard and the way he grabbed the opportunities he got with both hands. The grit and hunger for success displayed by Gerhard should serve as an example to all our young players. Competitions like the @lantic 7’s series set the platform for our youngsters to hone their skills and more structures should be created between school level and first class rugby to provide our extremely talented juniors with opportunities to develop their skills further.”