South Africa: Springboks set for pre-season alignment camps

Dylan Coetzee

07 Apr 2022 6:45 AM

The Springboks will begin their international season with a series of alignment camps for a select group of players to make sure everyone is on the same page ahead of another tough campaign.

The first of the two planned camps will begin in Durban on Sunday (April 10) and will run until Tuesday, with the second alignment camp beginning in Cape Town on Sunday, May 1 and running through to Thursday, May 6.

Springboks getting on the same page

News out of the South African camp suggests that there is a select group of players that have already been earmarked to take part in the first camp, albeit the list will likely be far bigger than a usual squad size to take injuries and general attrition from the season into account.

There is an opportunity for more players to be invited to the second camp as well, so the door has not been closed on anyone yet.

The idea behind the camps has less to do with the physical side of practising and playing professional rugby and is more about getting everyone together to discuss plans for the season and make sure everyone is pulling in the same direction.

It is especially important for new and young players to be exposed to the Springbok environment and culture so they feel more comfortable when the time comes for them to represent their country on the field.

The overseas players aren’t being left out either, with special virtual meetings arranged for April 16 and 25.

The alignment camps will inform the strategy behind the Incoming Series in July, including a three-Test series against Wales, and then on the Rugby Championship against New Zealand, Argentina and Australia.

“We are excited to get our season underway and these alignment camps are vital as we have not played for several months,” said head coach Jaques Nienaber.

“These sessions will ensure that we are all on the same page on and off the field when we begin our official training sessions. Most of these activities will involve boardroom sessions where we set objectives and align in terms of our planning.

“We will host similar camps with our overseas-based players in the next few weeks, but the door is not shut for other players to be invited to the remaining camps.

“It is also important to emphasise that being invited to these camps by no means is a guarantee of selection for the Castle Lager Incoming Tour squad, but rather an opportunity for the players to start switching into the mindset required for the international season.”

Internationals