The Springbok medical team and its regional counterparts have met to plan the way ahead for the country’s leading rugby players in the lead up to the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

The meeting of medical and conditioning teams from Springboks and the five Vodacom Super 14 regions – including doctors, physiotherapists and fitness conditioners – was hosted by the South African Rugby Union (SARU) at the Sports Science Institute in Cape Town.

The main purpose of the gathering was to discuss the management of players in both International and National competition over the coming months with the ultimate goal of having a fit and full strength squad at the 2011 World Cup.

The key outcomes of the meeting were:

•           Enhanced  two-way communication between the Springbok medical team and its regional and provincial counterparts

•           Establishment of a collaborative approach in the interests of player welfare in the build up to Rugby World Cup 2011

•           Agreement on two-way sharing of information on conditioning, performance, recovery, and injury management and prevention; and ensuring regular updates between the Springbok medical team and the regions during the Vodacom Tri-Nations, Absa Currie Cup and the Super 15

•           Confirmation of the application of injury prevention protocols developed by Springbok physiotherapist Rene Naylor, based on the latest scientific research.

•           Establishment of areas of collaborative research on new trends, technologies and related developments

Springbok Coach Peter de Villiers addressed the meeting where he explained his objectives and how he believed the national and regional medical teams could play a key role in ensuring a full strength and fully fit squad for 2011 World Cup.

“It is gratifying to see these talented and knowledgeable people working for the common good of Springbok rugby. I am now reassured that our players are in safe hands, both nationally and within their regions,” de Villiers said.

Springbok team doctor, Craig Roberts said: “The meeting was a significant step in that it will ensure for the sharing of information from both sides and enhance collaboration between us for the common good of South African rugby. The regions fully support the concept of injury risk assessments and will provide the necessary support on the ground to make sure that the required injury prevention measures are implemented”.

SARU Medical Manager, Clint Readhead added: “The meeting has ushered in a new era in collaboration between the Springbok and Regional medical and conditioning teams. There is a clear understanding that the continued high performance of South African rugby’s leading players can only be achieved if the experts work together towards a common objective”.