SAS launched in Stellies | BlitzBokke.com

(from: keo.co.za and drsheryllecalder.com)

Gareth Duncan, writing on keo.co.za reports on the launch of the Stellenbosh Academy of Sport, the new home of the Springbok Sevens team.

Gareth writes:

the Stellenbosch Academy of Sports was unveiled on Wednesday evening, a reported R100-million facility that is set to boost WP and national rugby.

With a host of rugby personalities in attendance (from former to current players to the visiting Saracens squad to Saru and franchise officials) the impressive Stellenbosch Academy of Sports was officially opened. Sports Science Institute of South Africa co-founder Morne du Plessis introduced the triple-story base to guests, which boasts two top-class gyms, a pool, a specialised culinary team, medical and physiotherapy departments and offices for Eye Gym specialist Dr Sherylle Calder (who was part of the management of the 2007 World Cup-winning Springbok team), the Springbok Sevens squad and the Western Province Rugby Institute. There are also hostel rooms available for players.

After a short walk over the Eerste River to the Paul Roos Markotter rugby fields, there is a new indoor training arena with an Astroturf grounding – which can be used in hot or wet weather. Saracens, who are in Cape Town for the week for preparation ahead of their European Cup fixture against Biarritz on Sunday, practiced at the indoor arena on Wednesday morning and the squad was highly impressed.

‘It’s amazing. I think I would’ve been a much better player if I could’ve gone to an institution like this,’ hooker Schalk Brits told keo.co.za. ‘It’s great to see Paul Roos, Stellenbosch, WP and the Springbok Sevens all on board in making this work. I can only see more great players being produced in this system. And hopefully more Currie Cups for WP!’

Blitzboks coach Paul Treu, who started his team’s World Series preparation last week, is also very happy with the establishment.

‘This is a world-class facility, one many teams around the world don’t have the privilege of using. This will be a big boost for South African rugby as a whole and for sevens moving towards the 2016 Olympics,’ Treu also told this site. ‘We’ve only been here for a week, but already we are noticing the difference. The players are highly motivated and I believe great success will follow.’