Cheetahs prop added Bok training squad
Cheetahs prop Retshegofaditswe Nche has been added to the invited group of players for the final alignment camp, which starts in Durban on Sunday.
The former Junior Springbok front row forward will join the 15 Sharks players at the third camp, from April 22 to 25.
The Springbok management is using the three alignment camps to accelerate preparations for the forthcoming international season.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, also the South African Rugby Union's Director of Rugby, said the main reason why no such camp could be arranged for the Bloemfontein-based players is because the Cheetahs were already very busy with their Pro14 commitments.
"From a logistics point of view, their training, travelling and playing schedule made it very difficult for us to arrange a camp with those players," said Erasmus.
"It is something that I discussed with Rory Duncan and he was happy that we invite only Ox to this camp, because having only one player missing from their squad for two days of a match week will not disrupt them that much.
"Other players from the Cheetahs, or from our other franchises, who play themselves into contention will be managed on a case by case basis. That could possibly mean working with such players on their off days, for instance, depending also on the Cheetahs' progress in the competition."
No on-field activities are planned for the alignment camps and the focus of the various sessions is exclusively on alignment, which will ensure a smooth transition from the franchises to the Springboks when the squad gets together for the June Internationals.
Springbok squad:
Forwards: Retshegofaditswe Nche (Cheetahs), Tendai Mtawarira (prop), Coenie Oosthuizen (prop), Thomas du Toit (prop), Chiliboy Ralepelle (hooker), Akker van der Merwe (hooker), Jean-Luc du Preez (loose forward), Dan du Preez (loose forward).
Backs: Louis Schreuder (scrumhalf), Cameron Wright (scrumhalf), Robert du Preez (flyhalf), André Esterhuizen (centre), Lukhanyo Am (centre), Lwazi Mvovo (wing), Sbu Nkosi (wing), Curwin Bosch (fullback).
