A couple of hundred excited supporters had the special opportunity to watch the Springboks during a live training session at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday. The Springbok group of 40 players went through a full scale training session, watched on by the supporters who sat on the main stand of Loftus.

They witnessed how Aled Walters, the Springbok Head of Athletic Performance, took the players through a thorough warm-up drill to prepare for the hour long training session. Following that, the players proceeded to the field session, which consisted of several tactical and contact sessions overseen by the Springbok coaching staff.

The players toiled away fiercely, with grit and determination, in the bright winter sun, occasionally taking a water break to refuel. Following another brief conditioning session after the field exercises, the group of players then made their way towards the excited group of fans next to the field for a fan engagement activity.

Speaking afterwards, Springbok prop Trevor Nyakane, who plays for the Loftus-based Vodacom Bulls, described the wonderful atmosphere of the occasion.

“It is always great to see the passionate Springbok fans come out and support the boys here at Loftus,” said Nyakane.

“Even though it’s only a training session and we were hard at work, it was amazing to see the fans and the enjoyment on their faces. It’s is a training and conditioning camp and we are working hard and doing lots of running, but we are embracing it and enjoy the activities."

The Springboks open their international season next week in Johannesburg when they host the Wallabies in a Castle Lager Rugby Championship encounter at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg. Tickets are available here.