The Springboks reassembled on Sunday evening after spending the weekend with their families, and had their first of two training sessions for the day on Monday morning.

Despite the hard graft on the field, Nche took time out to wish South Africa’s younger generation a special Youth Day.

“I wish all the youth a happy Youth Day,” said Nche. “Keep chasing your dreams and making a positive change in the country. Enjoy the day, keep safe, and have fun.”

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW: BARBARIANS | ITALY IN PRETORIA | ITALY IN GQEBERHA | GEORGIA

It was also a special day for Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who received well wishes from his teammates throughout the day, as he celebrates his 34^th birthday.

Experienced Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard reported for duty on Monday morning following the Gallagher Premiership final last Saturday, with the Vodacom Bulls players – who battled it out against Leinster in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship Grand Final – set to join their teammates on Monday evening.

The Springboks will kick off the international season on Saturday 28 June in the Qatar Airways Cup against the Barbarians in Cape Town, before lining up in back-to-back Tests against Italy in Pretoria and Gqeberha on 5 and 12 July, and Georgia in Nelspruit on 19 July, respectively, in the Castle Lager Incoming Series.

The squad will continue their preparations in Gauteng until Thursday before departing for Cape Town for their first-ever match in South Africa against the Barbarians next weekend.