Springboks casualty list: 3 players facing career uncertainty
The Springboks' walking wounded list has grown, with three players currently sidelined with injuries considered 'serious'.
The Springboks’ walking wounded list has grown, with three players currently sidelined with injuries considered ‘serious’.
Prop Trevor Nyakane, lock Lood de Jager and scrumhalf Faf de Klerk are all nursing serious injuries that have kept them out – or will keep them out – for the foreseeable future.
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THREE INJURED BOKS FACE CAREER UNCERTAINTY
Front-ranker Nyakane, 36, ruptured his Achilles tendon in February 2025. Although he is targeting a return to action later this year, he will be 38 by the time the 2027 Rugby World Cup begins, suggesting he may well be past his prime.
Meanwhile, Ox Nche, Wilco Louw, Thomas du Toit, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Gerhard Steenekamp and Boan Venter have moved ahead of him in the current pecking order.
COMPILED INJURIES FOR UNLUCKY LOOD
Lood de Jager has had a frustrating time with injury lay-offs.
De Jager’s run of misfortune began with pericarditis, an inflammation of the lining around the heart. This, ruled him out of the 2023 Rugby World Cup and sidelined him for several months.
Thereafter, he returned in 2024 before suffering a shoulder injury that kept him out for much of that season.
Now, after another setback, the veteran lock is set to undergo hip surgery, raising fresh doubts given his age and the rise of Ruan Nortje, alongside the form and versatility of ‘The Viking’, RG Snyman.
FAF FALLS OUT OF FAVOUR WITH SPRINGBOKS BEFORE ANOTHER SERIOUS INJURY
Finally, Faf de Klerk, 34, faces a double blow.
A serious ankle injury has ruled him out for the bulk of the domestic season, leading to his deregistration by his Japanese club.
Furthermore, even when fit, he had fallen behind Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams and Morne van den Berg in the current Springbok pecking order.
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Therefore, for these three decorated Springbok veterans, their current injuries, coupled with their age, leave a cloud of uncertainty hanging over their futures.
Regardless of what decision they make in the future, they have served South African rugby with pride and distinction.
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