Blitzboks gearing up for return to training ahead of new season
The Blitzboks have been handed a huge ‘physical’ and ‘mental’ boost ahead of their return to training scheduled for next week Tuesday, according to head coach Neil Powell.
The 2019/20 revised World Sevens Series runners-up will assemble in camp at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport next Tuesday ahead of the new season and Powell has detailed his side’s return plans.
Blitzboks raring to go
“The players will welcome the return no doubt,” said Powell.
“It has been tough on them mentally to be away from the game for so long and while they managed to train on their own during the lockdown period, it will also be good for them to get back into a training routine, although in smaller groups.”
COVID-19 regulations to be followed
The Blitzboks’ return to training will be governed by strict COVID-19 protocols according to Powell.
“The guys will be keen to get back into action, but we will manage the start of the new season,”
“Not only are there certain protocols in place during our return to train phase of the lockdown, we also have to make sure the players are following those to the letter.”
Phased return to action plan
While many Blitzbokke players had access to weight training during the lockdown period, Powell admitted that not all Blitzbokke internationals had access to such facilities. The team will take a phased return to cater for all players.
“The first month will focus on fitness and strength work, and we plan to start with skills training in September. We are not rushed in any way at this stage, so this give us the ideal opportunity to make sure all players are getting into the right habits and protocols.
“Everyone could do legwork, but not all the players had the same access to strength and gym training, so we will phase that in,”
The schedule for the 2020/2021 HSBC World Rugby Sevens schedule is yet to be confirmed with both the Dubai and Cape Town legs already being canceled. A working group chaired by the World Rugby Executive Committee and Council member John Jeffrey are currently working on contingency plans to save the rest of the season.
No comments: