South Africa to hold training camp in Jersey

South Africa retained the Rugby World Cup when they beat New Zealand in last year's final in Paris

World champions South Africa will hold a training camp in Jersey ahead of this year's autumn internationals.

The Springboks will base themselves at Jersey RFC and the adjoining Strive health club in October in preparation for their games in Europe.

They follow the England team and the British and Irish Lions who have used the same facilities in past years, as well as a number of Premiership sides.

"Having had the Lions and England team in recent years, and many clubs have come over and played and trained on the island, we're delighted to welcome the world champions," Strive chief executive and former Jersey Reds head coach Ben Harvey told BBC Radio Jersey.

"It's an iconic team and we've worked really hard to get them here and they've finally decided to come."

Harvey is hoping the Springboks can help to inspire young people to play rugby on the island, especially after the demise of Jersey Reds.

The then-Championship champions folded last September after getting into financial difficulties, leaving Jersey's amateur side as the main team on the island.

"By bringing the elite teams here what I wanted to show to children is that you can achieve that," Harvey added.

"Having the world champions on the island, where they can see that they're human, they do the same things that everybody else does, and that these kids can achieve it if they work hard."