The first insert focuses on SA Rugby’s Elite Player Development programme, which started five years ago with the aim of creating a talent identification and development pathway for players from U16 level, up to U18, the Junior Springboks and ultimately the Springboks.
Discussing how the EPD programme works, how SA Schools teams are selected, alignment between SA Rugby, the provinces and schools, and how young players should approach their rugby careers are Herman Masimla, Nico Serfontein and Barry McDonald.
Tim Qumbu, who heads up Strength & Conditioning at SA Rugby, discusses training programmes, answers pertinent questions about do's and don't's when it comes to training in the gym, and more in the second part of the series.
Qumbu's advice is specifically aimed at boys and girls who are still at school as they prepare to return to the playing field after more than a year on the sidelines.
The third installment is with SA Rugby's two dieticians, Zeenat Simjee and Robyn Moore.
They discuss the importance of nutrition and healthy eating habits, give some ideas on meals during training and on game days, and warn against certain nutritional pitfalls as the season kicks back into gear.
Coaching plays an integral role in the development of younger rugby players, and the guests in this episode are Junior Springbok head coach Bafana Nhlelo and his predecessor Chean Roux, now involved with the SA Rugby Academy for U20s.
Nhleko and Roux talk about specific coaching drills, what coaches can do to progress up the ranks and more in this very informative podcast.
SA Rugby’s podcasts are also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
