Imagine shedding nearly 20 kilograms in just a few weeks, all while preparing for your international rugby debut. That’s exactly what Asenathi Ntlabakanye experienced when he joined Springboks scrum coach Daan Human’s unconventional training camp, dubbed ‘Kamp Daandraad.’ But here’s where it gets controversial—instead of high-tech gyms and fancy equipment, Ntlabakanye found himself on a farm in Bloemfontein, cycling around fields, hauling heavy loads, and sprinting up hills. Was this old-school approach the secret to his transformation? Let’s dive in.
Earlier this year, as South Africa geared up for mid-year internationals against Italy and Georgia, Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus revealed that Ntlabakanye and Bulls forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels were undergoing intense training at Human’s farm. The results? Ntlabakanye shed between 15 and 18 kilograms, a feat that raised eyebrows across the rugby world. And this is the part most people miss—this wasn’t just about weight loss; it was about redefining his approach to the game.
In a candid interview on the Behind the Ruck podcast, Ntlabakanye shared how he ended up at Human’s farm. After the Lions’ early exit from the URC, he was determined to stay active rather than take a break. ‘I didn’t want to go on holiday for two or three weeks and then join up [with the Boks],’ he explained. ‘I wanted to keep myself busy and improve where I could.’ Enter Daan Human, who offered to take him under his wing in Bloemfontein.
Ntlabakanye admitted to feeling nervous initially. ‘I didn’t really know what to expect,’ he said. His first surprise? No gym sessions. Instead, Human’s training revolved around farm work, cycling, ball drills, and core exercises like pull-ups. ‘It was pretty tough,’ Ntlabakanye recalled, ‘but he made it very enjoyable.’ Here’s the bold truth—Human’s methods, though unconventional, were rooted in practicality. ‘He’s not a big believer in talking,’ Ntlabakanye noted. ‘It’s all about action.’
What made Human’s approach so effective? For starters, he utilized the farm’s natural terrain and equipment, creating a training environment that was both challenging and authentic. Ntlabakanye described running up and down a hill, carrying heavy loads, and even scrummaging with Human jumping on players’ backs to simulate pressure. Is this the future of rugby training, or a throwback to the past? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Human’s philosophy aligns with his disdain for scrum machines, famously stating they ‘don’t push back.’ Instead, he emphasizes live scrums and hands-on techniques, a style that has earned him cult status among South African rugby fans. His radical methods, like climbing onto players’ backs during scrums, might seem extreme, but they’ve clearly paid off for Ntlabakanye.
The 26-year-old also credited Human for his personal growth, both on and off the field. ‘He’s a very, very good human being,’ Ntlabakanye said, reflecting on the time spent with Human’s family. ‘He’s still very special to me. I’m still learning from him.’
But here’s a thought-provoking question—could such intense, individualized training be scaled for an entire team, or is it only effective for specific players? Ntlabakanye’s experience suggests that while it worked for him, it might not be a one-size-fits-all solution. What do you think? Share your opinions below.
As Ntlabakanye prepares for future matches, one thing is clear: his time at ‘Kamp Daandraad’ was more than just a training camp—it was a transformative journey. Whether you’re a rugby enthusiast or a casual observer, his story challenges us to rethink what it takes to reach the top. So, the next time you hear about a player’s success, remember—it might just be the result of hauling hay bales on a farm in Bloemfontein.
