Share

SA get training bonus from England flop

Bagshot - South Africa have picked up a bonus from England's Rugby World Cup failure - their upmarket Pennyhill Park training base to use ahead of this weekend's quarter-finals.

Situated in leafy grounds in Bagshot, south-west of London, Pennyhill has been England's training base for about 15 years.

It is a private hotel which accepts guests, but England's Rugby Football Union have ploughed a reported $4.5 million into Pennyhill, including installing a state of the art Desso 'hybrid' pitch and the latest gym equipment.

But with England becoming the first host nation to fail to go beyond the group phase, following defeats by Wales and Australia, Pennyhill has become a tournament, rather than Red Rose, facility for the remainder of the World Cup.

This week South Africa are the team on site ahead of their quarter-final against Wales at Twickenham on Saturday. Seasoned Springbok great Schalk Burger was taken aback.

"It's incredible. This media centre is pretty much bigger than my local club back home. It's unbelievable," Burger told reporters on Tuesday in a cavernous tent located in a corner of the Pennyhill car park.

"Apparently the guys who do the weights say it's an unbelievable experience," added the veteran back-bow forward.

Springbok prop Tendai Mtawarira confirmed. "I've done weights in there. It's state of the art, the best rugby facility I've trained in."

Burger added: "It's obviously a pity it's not being used by England but that is life so we are happy to take this facility and use the best possible." added the 32-year-old.

"All the waiters and the hotel staff seem to be South African. I have met about four and I think the English staff have gone on leave!," he joked.

WATCH: The Boks training at Pennyhill Park

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1471 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE