The Stormers began their pre-season conditioning programme this week, and Thursday they held an open fitness session as they sprinted up a sand dune on a beach in Strandfontein.
The players had already begun individual strength training but got together for the first time under the watchful eye of Greg Hechter, their fitness and conditioning expert. Hechter will put the players through their paces as they prepare to take on the Bulls at Loftus on January 13, in a season-opening friendly.
Tonderai Chavhanga and Schalk Brits are to be eased into training as they recover from injury, and new signing Conrad Jantjes is also to be monitored, following injury whilst playing for the Lions in the Currie Cup. Schalk Burger is the big casualty of the 2006 season, and remains absent.
Hechter reported on thestormers.com that the Stormers’ contracted Springboks would not be available for training until December 4. This includes players such as De Wet Barry and Eddie Andrews, as well as Boland’s new signing, Hanyani Shimange, who is still eligible for the Stormers.
