Three Springbok front-rowers have opened up about the punishing pre-2019 World Cup training camp behind a viral photo that sparked unfounded doping accusations, calling the experience 'madness'. The players' accounts shed light on the physical preparation that preceded South Africa's World Cup victory in Japan.
Three Springbok front-rowers have spoken publicly about the gruelling pre-2019 Rugby World Cup training camp that gave rise to unfounded doping accusations, describing the period as sheer 'madness'.
The camp, which produced a viral photo that drew widespread speculation at the time, has now been addressed directly by the players involved, offering their account of the physical demands that underpinned South Africa's eventual World Cup triumph in Japan.
Blackadder predicts overseas stints will become standard between World Cups but argues NZ should adopt a Giteau-style caps threshold rather than follow South Africa's unrestricted eligibility model.
The British and Irish Lions have launched a formal 'Beyond29' project to investigate touring destinations and commercial models outside their traditional South Africa, Australia and New Zealand rotation. France, Japan and the Americas are among the territories being assessed, with consultancies asked to evaluate host nation allocation models including scrapping or extending the current 12-year cycle. The move is driven by an acknowledgement that the existing rotation may be approaching its commercial ceiling.
Todd Blackadder says NZR can't realistically stop its stars chasing overseas money between World Cups — and the implications for southern hemisphere rugby are significant.
Former Springboks are calling on Rassie Erasmus to fast-track JJ van der Mescht into the national setup, with SA Rugby Mag making the case that the lock is ready for the step up in 2026.
Nick Easter argues England must adopt Rassie's split-squad model to survive a brutal summer window, and backs it up with a detailed first-choice XV for Ellis Park — with Fiji, not South Africa, flagged as the most dangerous fixture.