There can be little doubt that power, pace, precision and determination are key ingredients for a successful game of rugby. But, being unable to make tackles or perform line-outs, scrums and rucks during training, has stymied the Phakisa Pumas from reaching their full potential as lockdown drags on.

This, however, changed on Wednesday when Mbombela Stadium once again became home to loud cheers, power, speed and thundering tackles from first whistle to last. This follows after SA Rugby announced on Wednesday morning that franchises may resume with full-contact training after the completion of final health checks.

The training pitch will play host to hours of drills that will lay the foundation for the 2020/21 Currie Cup expected to start in the second week of October. Avid Pumas supporters can look forward to six home games and six away games, before the double-round competition concludes early in January next year. Teams that are geared up for action are the Vodacom Bulls, Emirates Lions, Cell C Sharks, DHL Stormers, Toyota Cheetahs, Phakisa Pumas and Tafel Lager Griquas.

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Head coach, Jimmy Stonehouse said the spirit and enthusiasm on the field are evident of a team eager to perform this season. “We have been hard at work with non-contact training for the past five weeks. As we wait for the fixtures to be finalised, we will continue to build on our fitness and embrace the return to contact training,” he said.

“We are moving in the right direction and I would like to urge all supporters and members of the South African rugby family at large to bear with us as we plan the way forward for the next couple of weeks. “With the guidance of government and hard work with our various stakeholders, we’ve knuckled down and plotted our return to competitive action, which is getting closer every day. But we’re also very mindful of the pitfalls associated with this and we know things can change overnight,” said the CEO of SA Rugby, Jurie Roux.

He added that SA Rugby and its various stakeholders were finalising plans for a return to play in line with the best available medical advice in order to ensure players’ welfare. “Once we’ve finalised all the relevant plans and aligned with our broadcast partner, sponsors, franchises and other stakeholders, we’ll confirm the playing schedule,” said Roux.