Despite the suspension of all national team training and alignment camps, SA director of rugby Rassie Erasmus says plans are already in place to continue with preparations.
Scheduled Springbok alignment camps, Springbok Women’s training camps, as well as the Junior Springboks and Blitzboks’ preparations have all been suspended until 14 April as part of a raft of measures in response to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
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‘Speaking purely from a rugby point of view, we realise no one could prepare for the Covid-19 pandemic and as a result, all of us in the game across the globe are in the same boat,’ said Erasmus.
‘As SA Rugby has already said we need to ensure the wellness of players, supporters and staff as well as playing rugby’s part in helping counter the pandemic.
‘Our planning for the season will carry on regardless – whether it’s the Springboks, Junior Springboks, Blitzboks or our national women’s teams – as we still have a lot to prepare for.
‘While there are challenges when it comes to face-to-face interaction with players and team activities, modern communication methods make it possible for coaches, players and management teams to keep in constant contact with one another.
‘Nothing beats sitting around a table or running around on the training field, but this is not a unique situation to us here in South Africa and without going into too much detail, we can confirm that the work has not stopped and we are hard at work preparing for our forthcoming Tests, other matches or tournaments.’
The Springboks’ Castle Lager Incoming Series Tests in July (against Scotland and Georgia), Youth Week tournaments and Currie Cup remain as scheduled but will be reviewed in April.
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Hollywoodbets
