Kings working hard during lockdown

The  Isuzu Southern Kings will remain on high alert despite their Guinness PRO14 rugby season being put on hold because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

They will continue to work on individual training programmes as part of a plan to improve physically and technically during the nationwide lockdown.

If the PRO14 season does not continue, there is a possibility the Kings will participate in a derby competition featuring other SA teams.

“Each player has been given programmes to complete, which are updated every three weeks,” Kings interim head coach Robbi Kempson said.

“This includes gym alternatives, garage training sessions and fitness orientations.

“These scores are monitored by our fitness coaches Nadus Nieuwoudt and Chad Foong, so we have seen the players maintain a level of off-season preparedness.

“Nadus has also been doing a daily video of alternative garage training without weights and been quite inventive with ways in which to maintain a baseline condition set.

“This will now become much more difficult with the lockdown, but we have signed out various equipment, including weights, rowing machines and spin bikes.

“So the lads will keep a level of activity going while at home.

“They also do realise they need to try to keep a level for when we return and start a mini preseason before whichever competition is to be played next.”

The Stormers say they will be seeking to set a good example by staying at home, but continuing to develop themselves as players over the next 21 days and beyond.

Head coach John Dobson said there had been complete buy-in from the squad in terms of embracing the unique challenges that the lockdown presented for all South Africans.

“It is nice to hear that there is no reaction from anybody on a selfish level.

“This is for the greater good of the country and we are completely supportive,” he said.

“Our plan now is obviously remote, but in a high-quality way.

“There are basic conditioning elements, giving the guys [training] programmes, giving the guys gym equipment to use at home, we have got nutritional advice for each guy individually and then we have got various technical challenges for the players.

“They have got to be doing self-analysis, reviewing old games and looking at trends in world rugby.

“Then there are also some fun challenges, whether it is a meal, or best beard for the week.

“We are trying to make it professional and stimulating at the same time, with high levels of intervention.

“It isn’t meant to be leave or anything like that, we have to be better physically and technically when we come back,” he said.

Dobson said the new system would be in full effect from next week, with players expected to submit various outcomes from Monday.

“I think we have to accept that this is a bit of a shock for everybody, so there has to be a period of adaptation and we are not putting them under pressure.

“Let them get home, get safe and get settled in their environment.

“From Monday, we will be expecting them to submit technical analysis,” he said.