The South African men’s rugby sevens team were expected to be one of the main contenders for a gold medal at Tokyo 2020.

It followed an impressive performance during the World Rugby Sevens Series, which saw them win the Dubai and Los Angeles legs of the season.

South Africa also finished as runners-up up in Cape Town and Sydney to rivals New Zealand.

New Zealand finished top of the overall series after it was cut short after six events, with the final four competitions cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

South Africa finished second in the overall series.

Tokyo 2020 was also postponed due to the global health crisis, with the Games now scheduled for July 23 to August 8 next year.

"We would have returned from the Olympics a few days ago if it had not been postponed, so it’s easy to remind ourselves that it’s unfinished business," Powell said.

"We have again pencilled that in as part of the planning for the next season, as that is one of the few confirmed dates available.

"One thing we have on our side for now is time, and we restarted today with that in mind."

South Africa Rugby revealed players were tested in line with a number of return-to-training protocols.

Team medical staff also assessed the players’ physical and mental well-being, ahead of strength and conditioning beginning on Wednesday (August 12).

South Africa are one of 11 teams assured of participating in the Tokyo 2020 men’s rugby sevens tournament.

Defending Olympic champions Fiji, New Zealand, United States, Argentina, Canada, Britain, Australia, Kenya, South Korea and hosts Japan will also compete.

The last remaining spot in the tournament will be determined by a final Olympic qualifying event.