Notable build-ups

Guns, nudity, chicken slaying

The Springboks’ build-up to the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia was mired in controversy after the ill-fated “Kamp Staaldraad” military-style boot camp. Meant to be a bonding camp, it later emerged players were forced to climb naked into a foxhole filled with ice-cold water while having to listen to loud audio of the haka and

God Save the Queen. At another time players were forced to pump up rugby balls, naked, while in a lake; allegedly in front of people holding firearms. Players also had to crawl naked across gravel, kill and cook chickens.

Life’s a beach

Hardcore training wasn’t on the All Blacks’ agenda when they headed to Corsica in the week leading up to kick-off of the 2007 Rugby World Cup. For several days the All Blacks soaked up the sun, took dips in the Mediterranean and cycled around the island. The island retreat didn’t help the All Blacks come game time though — with the team exiting the World Cup at the quarterfinal stage; their worst effort.

Gone walkabout

The Republic of Ireland’s pre 2002 Football World Cup camp was notable for the exit of the side’s captain, Roy Keane. The Manchester United legend shocked team-mates, team management and fans by calling it quits after falling out with the side’s management. One team-mate even claimed that Keane had walked out of camp twice. Initially he was enticed back into the fold, only to quit for good.