Cape Town – Springbok tighthead prop Vincent Koch, who joined the national squad in Port Elizabeth on Monday evening, said he still had a burning desire to add to his number of Test caps. 

The front ranker joined the Boks from Saracens in England, where he plays club rugby, and had his first training run with the squad on Tuesday afternoon.

READ: Koch’s inclusion intensifies Springbok tighthead battle

Koch represented the Springboks in 10 Tests, the last of which was against Italy in 2016. 

On Tuesday, the friendly prop fronted the media at the team’s hotel in Port Elizabeth, where they are based for Saturday’s Rugby Championship Test against the Wallabies at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. 

Koch spoke passionately about his big desire to play once more in the Green and Gold.

He said he was overjoyed when Rassie Erasmus, the SA Rugby Director of Rugby, contacted him about joining the squad.

“It’s a great honour to be back and didn’t really expect it,” said Koch.

“You keep watching the Boks, even if you are overseas. It is a new squad and new coaching staff and I have a lot to learn, but I am super excited to be here.”

Koch said it was great to catch up with his friends in the national squad, and he has noticed a good spirit in the camp: “In terms of positives, it looks like they’ve developed an amazing environment and it’s been good to see the energy levels and how just how motivated they are as well. It’s been easier for me to slot in.”