‘It’s a privilege to be involved’ – Ireland stars pause Test preparation to train with local youngsters in Johannesburg

Waiting for them were 40 players from the nearby Alexandra township who play for the Alex and Queens clubs and are part of the ‘School of Hard Knocks’ programme which is supported by the Irish embassy in Pretoria.

Alexandra is one of the poorest urban areas in the Rainbow Nation and it’s located right beside the wealthy Sandton suburb where Ireland have been based all week, with their movements largely limited to the hotel complex they’re staying in for security reasons.

The U-19s players were put through their paces by a group of Irish players led by captain Peter O’Mahony and including a number of big names like Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan and Joe McCarthy.

And, while the locals warmed to their task and showed plenty of talent it was clear that the professional players enjoyed the chance to have some fun away from the pressure of preparing to face the world champions at Loftus Versfeld.

After the session, the Ireland players had a conversation with the young players about mental health and masculinity, which is a big focus of the programme.

“Since we’ve been here it’s been quite hectic training. We had a tough session today, the last big session of the week,” Ireland’s South African-born hooker Rob Herring said.

“To get a look at the work the Irish embassy is doing, it’s a real privilege to be involved and see what we can help out with.

“We speak about it in Ireland, we’re always trying to inspire young kids and inspire the nation.

“The Springboks would probably be their idols, and for us to come down, even if we can inspire a few kids to try take rugby seriously, and all the work the foundation is doing around mental health and gender-based violence.

“If we can be a positive role model in any way, then why not come down to try it out.”

Coach Aphele Tsibiyani spoke about the reasons the programme exists.

South Africa tour daily – July 3: Ireland prepare to name their team for the first Test

“At this stage of life they can do some silly things around life, they don’t get the skills to cope when things escalate more, how to have difficult conversations with people,” he said.

“We meet them, give them those tools to cope and make better decisions.

“Basically, our mission is about mental health. Rugby can really help them connect with other people, talk to other people.

“The Irish players are great people, I like how they participate with our students here.”

Herring has spent most of his adult life in Ireland and qualifies through his grandmother, but he said it was special to be back in South Africa with the team.

“It’s massive for me,” the Ulster hooker said.

“I know I grew up here, but I’ve been in Ireland a long time, my kids are born there and I feel it’s country that’s given me a lot in my life. I’m really proud to represent Ireland, to be here where I was born is pretty special.

“I think you come to South Africa, and I’ve always said when you come on tour it’s great.

“You’re with your mates, you get to see different cultures.

“It’s different for me growing up here, South Africa is a country of a lot of different backgrounds, cultures, and all amalgamated into one. It’s just a special place.

“The climate obviously helps as well, but I think the whole history of South Africa, where it’s been and where it is now, I think it’s a really special place.

“You turn on the TV and there’s like six rugby channels. I think because rugby has been a bit of symbol of change in South Africa, going back to the 1995 World Cup and Nelson Mandela.

“I think that’s why it’s probably been grabbed upon in the last two World Cups, the Springboks going back-to-back. It just gives people in the country a bit of hope.

“I think it’s been real positive, people coming up and just wanting to meet us.

“Sometimes on social media things can be hostile, but in general people are just really excited to be here.

“I think 95% of the population are just looking forward to a great Test series, and like I said it’s going to be close margins. Those are good battles, and that’s where we want to test ourselves.”

For Herring, meeting the local players added something to the week for the Irish players.

“As I’ve got older, I think you start to take that a lot more seriously. You can have an impact on someone’s life and make a difference,” he said.

“We’re only going to be here for a short period, but to see smiles on people’s faces, and if we can share a story or two with the kids here to make a change in their life, it’s such a positive thing to do. It’s a real privilege to be able to do that.”