Young scrumhalf Embrose Papier is one of 11 Bulls players invited to the first of three Springbok alignment camps that will be hosted from 1 to 4 April in Vanderbijlpark.

The second camp is scheduled to run from 8 to 11 April, also in Vanderbijlpark, while Durban will host the third assessment camp from 22 to 25 April.

A group of players from the Bulls will meet up with coach Rassie Erasmus and the management team for the first of three sessions, where the focus will be on aspects such as on-field alignment, strength and conditioning, medicals and rugby fundamentals. No on-field activities are scheduled at this stage.

Erasmus explained that the camps were planned with both the Springbok preparations and the local teams’ Super Rugby commitments in mind.

‘As much as we don’t want to disrupt the weekly preparations of our Super Rugby teams it is equally important that we continue with preparations of the Springboks in the background.

‘The Bulls have a bye on the weekend of 7 April, the Stormers andLions are not involved the following weekend [14 April] while the Sharks are not action on 28 April, allowing us the opportunity to assemble in three groups.

‘We will be starting as a new group and it is therefore also very important that the Springbok coaches meet, engage and strategise with as many players as possible we have in mind for the forthcoming Tests against Wales and England.’

According to Erasmus, his coaching staff are working closely with the local Super Rugby franchises in the build-up to the international season.

‘As part of our constant engagement with the Super Rugby teams, our assistant coaches have been visiting them to help build a strong relationship and also to get a better understanding of how they prepare their teams.

‘The Pro14 season is nearing its end and we plan to spend similar time in future with the Southern Kings and the Cheetahs.’

The Springboks start their international commitments with a historical clash against Wales in Washington on 2 June. They will then return to South Africa to play England in a three-Test series.