Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus expressed satisfaction with the groundwork laid at the national team’s second in-person alignment camp held in Cape Town this week.

The camp, attended by 38 players, served as a springboard for the upcoming season.

This session followed an initial alignment camp in March and a series of online sessions in May. Players participated in gym workouts and off-field strategy presentations designed to familiarize them with the team’s planned structures for 2024.

“This camp was crucial in exposing the players to the intricate details of the game plan we intend to implement this season,” Erasmus said.

He elaborated on the camp’s objectives: “The first two alignment camps focused on broader selection criteria and introducing the players to the coaches and their philosophies. This included familiarizing them with the new additions to the coaching team: Tony Brown, Jerry Flannery, and national laws advisor Jaco Peyper.”

With the first Test less than a month away, Erasmus emphasized the urgency of introducing the players to the new systems. “We need them to be comfortable with these structures before selecting the squad for the Wales Test and the Castle Lager Incoming Series.”

Erasmus lauded the players’ enthusiasm and dedication during the camp. “Their eagerness to learn and compete for national team spots was truly inspiring,” he remarked. “This bodes well for the upcoming season.”

The camp also served as a valuable assessment tool for the coaching staff. “It allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of the players’ skillsets,” Erasmus explained. “We’ve equipped them with specific areas to work on before the official training camp in June.”

Springbok Schedule for 2024

Players from the Hollywoodbets Sharks, contesting the EPCR Challenge Cup final against Gloucester on Friday, were excused from the camp.

The double World Cup champions kick off their 2024 campaign against Wales on 22 June. This is followed by the Castle Lager Incoming Series featuring back-to-back Tests against the second-ranked Ireland (6 and 13 July) and a historic first Test against Portugal (20 July).

The Springboks assemble in Pretoria on June 9th for on-field preparations. The Test squad for the Wales match will be announced shortly after the Vodacom United Rugby Championship quarterfinals conclude on 8 June.

This will be the first time the Boks will be in action after winning the Rugby World Cup trophy last October against the All Blacks.