Newcastle Falcons are in Johannesburg ahead of Saturday’s EPCR Challenge Cup clash with the Lions.

The squad arrived on Tuesday morning for the club’s first competitive game on South African soil.

Tuesday evening saw the group descending on St Stithian’s College for a light rugby and gym session to get the journey out of their legs, with coach Mark Laycock presenting the school with a signed Falcons shirt.

The squad returned to the same venue on Wednesday morning for a more intense rugby session in temperatures approaching 30 degrees celsius, with the South African summer in full swing.

Sun cream, ice baths and plenty of hydration were the order of the day as our hosts at St Stithian’s proved outstanding hosts.

Wednesday afternoon saw the group travelling to ‘Moove’ gym for a weights session, with a tough physical day followed by Thursday’s chance to recharge the batteries as the squad day off allowed the energy to return.

Friday’s schedule sees the Falcons visiting Emirates Airline Park – the iconic venue for the 1995 Rugby World Cup – for their captain’s run.

Saturday’s match kicks off at 5.15pm South African time (3.15pm UK time) and is being shown live in the UK on Viaplay.

For details of how to access the subscription service visit www.viaplay.com .