Where is Springbok Lood de Jager?
Images via Instagram:@looddejager
Health update: Latest on Lood de Jager’s heart condition
Springbok Lood de Jager was one of the shock omissions from the Rugby World Cup squad. Is there hope he may play after all?
Where is Springbok Lood de Jager?
Images via Instagram:@looddejager
Springbok Lood de Jager’s name has been mentioned by South African rugby fans who are still keen to see him play in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
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Despite helping South Africa win the title in 2019, De Jager was left of the 2023 squad due to “chest pains.”
Sadly, it seems that his World Cup dreams have been dashed after he shared a health update this week.
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LEFT OUT THE RUGBY WORLD CUP SQUAD
In August, Springbok fans were saddened after De Jager was left out of the Springbok 33-man Rugby World Cup squad.
At the time, he was one of three shock omissions, the other two being Handre Pollard and Lukhanyo Am, who have both since been called into the squad.
At the squad announcement, Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber did not go into details about De Jager’s condition.
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He said in a media briefing: “Lood was supposed to start, but he’s a little bit chesty. The doctor said it wasn’t going to be worth it”.
However, an update by SA Rugby revealed that 30-year-old Lood de Jager had experienced a minor heart condition in the build-up to the World Cup.
The condition – pericarditis, which is the inflammation of the lining of the heart – lasts anywhere from a few weeks to being long-lasting.
LOOD DE JAGER: HEALTH UPDATE
With Lood de Jager being out of the spotlight for several months, South Africans are keen to know how his health has progressed.
According to Global Sports News, the former Blue Bulls player is currently awaiting clearance from his cardiologist. This will determine if he is fit enough to resume training.
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The publication states that De Jager can walk or run for 30 minutes daily, but cannot over-exert himself.
Thus far, Lood has been keeping himself busy playing some golf.
Sadly, the health date has effectively ruled him out of playing any part at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
