Vodacom Stormers conclude training camp

According to forward coach Jerome Paarwater management want the players to be fresh and energised when the Super 14 kicks off next weekend with an away game against the Cats.

That is why they decided to spend the past three days at the Walkabout River Lodge.

“Besides team building and strengthening friendships, the guys also had to set clear goals for themselves for the Super 14,” explained Paarwater.

Paarwater is in his fourth season with the Stormers and said in the past they have always held their training camps right at the start of the season.

The squad was finalised after the camp and they went on a short overseas tour to prepare for the Super 12. This year, however, they have changed things around.

“We have decided to work hard in the off-season and then play our warm-up games. We’ve reduced our training squad afterwards and then played our friendly games, which were also reduced to only two. I think that way of doing things is more effective.”

Paarwater said at Swellendam the players had a chance to get their minds off rugby.

“They did things like building river rafts and other fun competitions on the Buffelsjagsriver. We hope the guys will be well rested now and ready to tackle the Super 14 with fresh ideas.”