Springbok coach Harry Viljoen has initiated a programme he believes will expedite the realisation of more representative Springbok and South African 'A' squads in the build-up to the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

Viljoen, who this year consistently selected three black players in his match 22 and played four against Italy, identified a squad of 28 players that could feature at a Springbok or national 'A' level in the next two years.

Viljoen stressed that the identification of an individual did not mean any guarantee to selection, be it with the Springboks or South Africa 'A'.

However, he felt it important to identify talent, make them aware of their potential and put in place a system that would ensure every opportunity was available to the players in their pursuit of national recognition.

"Given the national coaching structure's commitment to transformation and the development of all talent knocking on the door of Springbok and SA 'A' selection, it was decided, in conjunction with the South African Rugby Football Union's Game Development Department, to initiate a project that would focus on a select group of players that Harry Viljoen and his coaching team believe have the potential to represent the Springboks and SA 'A' in the build-up to and including the 2003 Rugby World Cup," said SA Rugby (Pty) Ltd Managing Director, Rian Oberholzer.

"I have personally discussed this with the Chief executives of the 14 provinces and they all understand the necessity of the programme. We are very excited at the possibilities this programme offers and are delighted that the national coach and his coaching staff should take on such a challenge."

Viljoen, who consulted with his two assistant coaches Tim Lane and Jake White and SARFU'S Game Development Department in compiling the list, said the squad was not a closed shop.

"We can reduce the number, increase it and change the identities. We want to make sure we (as a national coaching unit) are given maximum exposure to players who we feel could play for either the Boks or the 'A' team," said Viljoen.

"As a coaching team we have definite ideas as to what kind of player we are looking for. This will give us an insight into players who ordinarily we would only get to know once they were selected for a national team.

"This squad represents a start and it should not be interpreted by the players, inside the squad or on the outer, as the finalisation of anything."

The squad will assemble in Cape Town on Sunday for an introductory session with Bok assistant coaches Lane and White as well as various representatives of the Bok management and the SARFU Game Development Department.

The squad will meet once a month as of 2002, while the national coaches (working closely with the respective provincial coaches) will monitor the players on a weekly basis during the season.

"Communication will be essential between the Bok management, SARFU Game Development department and the provincial unions if we are to make a success of this initiative. I have no doubt this kind of program is necessary if we are to fast-track the development of, especially, quality black talent, and if we are to meet our commitment to transformation by the 2003 World Cup," said Viljoen.

National Teams 2003 Opportunity Enhancement Programme:

Blue Bulls: JP Nel, Gavin Passens, Coenrad Groenewald, Frikkie Welsh, Bakkies Botha, Norman Jordaan;

Boland: John Daniels, Wayne Julies, Henley du Plessis, Fabian Brandt;

Border: Ondela Kiva, Ian Fihlani;

Falcons: Adrian Jacobs;

Free State: Isak Job, Friedrich Lombard, Wylie Human, Hendro Scholtz, Daan Human;

Lions: Gcobani Bobo, Andre Pretorius, Lawrence Sephaka;

Natal Sharks: Hanyani Shimange;

WP: Egon Seconds, Gus Theron, Stuart Abbott, Quinton Davids, Faan Rautenbach, Eddie Andrews.