Eugene Henning has been seconded to the Springboks’ management team to cater for player affairs and welfare.

Henning is the CEO of MyPlayers, the official players’ representative body in South Africa, and will join the Bok setup until the end of the World Cup in Japan.

Springbok coach and SA Rugby director of rugby Rassie Erasmus said Henning’s appointment is to help with the multiple demands that professional players face.

‘The coaches can manage the playing and training workloads but we need to look after the off-field workload as well. The management of player wellness will be a very important focus area for us this year, and it’s great to have someone with Eugene’s unique insight and experience on board to assist,’ said Erasmus.

‘By the time the World Cup kicks off in September in Japan, our players would have been involved in pre-season training, a Vodacom Super Rugby campaign, various Springbok alignment and training camps, played in the Rugby Championship and have a comprehensive World Cup training programme under their belt.

‘We also have to take into consideration a host of other important activities that happen in the background, such as medical and conditioning preparation, the various daily planning and preparation sessions, media, PR and commercial engagements.

‘On top of that we to take into account that they actually have their own personal and family affairs to look after at the same time. So Eugene will come onboard to essentially assist the players with their day-to-day task management and to serve as the first point of call on all player-related matters within the Springbok setup.’

Photo: Marty Melville/AFP Photo