Duane Vermeulen will only join the Springbok squad next Tuesday after playing for Toulon in the Top 14 final on Sunday.

Toulon beat log-leaders La Rochelle in their semi-final to set up a decider with Clermont.

Frans Steyn, whose Racing 92 side lost to Clermont, will arrive from France this Wednesday.

The Boks will play France in the first Test at Loftus next Saturday.

The squad assembled in Plettenberg Bay on Monday and will spend the rest of the week at the coastal town. They will have several training and recovery sessions, gymnasium workouts, undertake medical check-ups and participate in various team-building activities.

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‘It’s good to be together again after a couple of tough local derbies the past weekend,’ said new Bok captain Warren Whiteley. ‘All of us are looking forward to building some good team spirit and to continue with our important preparations for the French series.

‘Even though it is the first day of the camp, I can already sense the energy and the good vibe among the players. It’s really nice to come together here as a group and to focus on building those relationships as we look forward to meeting France next month.’

Photo: Alexandre Dimou/AFP Photo