Springboks praise 'phenomenal' Jersey after visit

The South Africans said they were impressed with the island's sporting facilities

Rugby world champions the Springboks have described their visit to Jersey as "phenomenal" after they wrapped up a week of training in the island.

The South African side arrived on 27 October and were based at Jersey Rugby Club.

Visit Jersey said the side had put the island "on the map", while South Africans living in Jersey said it was a "once in a lifetime opportunity" to see their team up close.

Grant Williams, who plays scrum-half, said of the island: "The people here are so welcoming, and the facilities are amazing."

He added: "We went to the beach for a dip, we went to coffee shops and had a walk around. We really enjoyed it."

Grant Williams said local people in Jersey were welcoming

Jordan Hendrikse, who plays fly-half, said: "It has been amazing.

"I must say no-one would expect an island like Jersey to have the facilities they have and to accommodate an international set-up.

"It's phenomenal. The set-up, the greenery, the gym, and the stuff here is beautiful.

"On the flight I met a couple of South Africans. There are quite a few South Africans in Jersey, which is quite surprising, because if you ask any of the players if they knew about Jersey there would be very few that would know."

Deon Davis said it was a good decision for the Springboks to visit Jersey

Springboks' assistant coach Deon Davis said the team made a good decision in coming to Jersey.

"It is a fantastic place, it has a fantastic environment and facilities," he said.

"It has just been an exceptional couple of days."

On their day off, Davis said they went on a tour around Jersey visiting different places.

"Some guys visited heritage place, some guys played golf and we visited some of the pubs," he said.

Thomas du Toit said Jersey was a beautiful place to visit

Prop Thomas du Toit said he met up with an old school friend who was now living in Jersey.

Asked whether he had met many other South Africans in Jersey, he said: "I have heard the odd Afrikaans word here and there, so there are definitely a couple here.

"We have loved Jersey. It has been very accommodating to our requirements, and we have been enjoying the scenery. It is a beautiful place, and the people are very nice."

'Global audience'

Tricia Warwick, from Visit Jersey, said: "I can't tell you how excited and pleased we are they chose Jersey.

"We started planning this at the beginning of the year and it is just awesome to have them here because this gives you global reach and a global audience.

"This puts Jersey on another map we are not on yet, which is really important for us when we are trying to attract more visitors to the island."