Bulls coach set to be discharged from hospital

Earlier this week, the Bulls confirmed that Jake White underwent successful emergency abdominal surgery on Sunday evening, 8 January.

White had been under the weather during the Bulls’ recent trip to Wales but was thought to be on the mend as the team returned from Newport. The squad arrived back in South Africa, landing at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday mid-morning, but White then complained of debilitating stomach cramps and was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention, necessitating an emergency operation.

The successful two-hour surgery took place at a Pretoria hospital.

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According to SuperSport.com, White has recovered well and could soon be released from hospital, and may even be a keen observer at Loftus as the Bulls prepare to welcome the Exeter Chiefs to Pretoria on Saturday, with kick off at 19:30.

“Jake is doing well. He has been moved out of ICU into a normal ward and he is his normal self again. He plans to be here on Saturday. He’d love to be here on Saturday, he feels that strong,” a spokesperson said.

The Bulls had stated that whilst recovering from the operation and going through his rehabilitation programme, White will be taking a brief break from his team duties until 8 February.

“At present, the club cannot place a timestamp on the length of this period but will be guided by the expertise and advice of the medical staff,” a statement on Monday revealed. “Bulls’ fans, stakeholders and the South African rugby-loving public will be kept in the know as and when there are developments or updates. The coaching team will continue to share the responsibility of leading the team whilst the director of rugby is away.”

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BULLS TEAM FOR CHAMPIONS CUP CLASH AGAINST EXETER CHIEFS: 

Bulls — 15 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 David Kriel, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Nizaam Carr, 6 Marco Van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje (captain), 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.
Subs: 16 Dylan Smith, 17 Bismarck Du Plessis, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Janko Swanepoel, 20 WJ Steenkamp, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Johan Goosen, 23 Lionel Mapoe.