Springboks fitness chief released from contract

David Skippers

SA Rugby have announced that the Springboks’ Head of Athletic Performance, Aled Walters, has been released from his contract to join an overseas club in June.

South Africa’s director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus, paid tribute to the important contribution Walters made during his two-year tenure with the Springboks.

“It’s obviously sad to lose someone of Aled’s ability, but we understand that the unprecedented times we are in, brings about difficult challenges and we respect his wish to return to the UK,” said Erasmus.

“Aled has made an enormous impact since joining the Springboks in 2018 and I know that while the whole squad will be sad to see him go, he will also have our very best wishes for the future.”

Walters, who previously worked as part of Munster’s backroom staff before heading to South Africa, said he enjoyed his time with the Springboks and added that he is returning to United Kingdom for personal reasons.

“My tenure with the Springboks can be described as some of the best times I’ve had in rugby, but these are uncertain times and the wish to be closer to families based in Wales and Ireland was a key consideration in making what was a very hard decision,” he said.

An appointment to replace Walters will be made in due course.

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