Springboks physio, Rene Naylor has just returned from her second Rugby World Cup, and both times she’s been victorious. She reflects on what it’s like to spend that type of time with a team that’s primed to win.

 

If there’s a list of enviable jobs across South Africa, working and travelling with the Springboks has to be up there. For Rene Naylor, that’s just everyday life as she takes the health and physical safety of the nation’s rugby team under her care. While the players are embarking on their nationwide trophy tour, Naylor has taken a moment to share some insights from her work.

ALSO READ: PICS: Trevor Nyakane takes the Miss SA crown from Natasha Joubert’s head

SPRINGBOKS PHYSIO: ‘OUR BOYS HAVE BEEN RESPONSIBLE’
While most fans are happy to see their favourite players giving it their all, even when hurt, for physios, it’s a completely different stress! After spending 20 weeks with the Springboks, Naylor can now breathe a sigh of relief that they made it out without too many major injuries. Speaking on 702 on Friday, 3 November 2023, Naylor explained that although her time with the team was stressful (she was sweating over every injury scare!) the players took great care of themselves.

Speaking to Lester Kiewit on the station she said, “our boys have been responsible in their recovery prior to this week and have worked non-stop and long hours to make it through as champs.”

FAMILY WAS KEY FOR BOKS’ VICTORY
Beyond the overall fitness of the team (which shone in all the key moments), Naylor also believes that having family members close to each player made a tremendous difference in their physical and mental performance.

She added in her interview, “Having family has been crucial. It’s made such a big difference and we are so lucky that the coaching staff has agreed to this. A special thank you to the players’ wives and girlfriends and kids who’ve had to make huge adaptations in their lives to accommodate their partners during this time.”