Seabelo Senatla Stormers wing

Stormers wing Seabelo Senatla. Photo: WP Rugby.

Dobbo confirms ‘traumatic blow’ to Senatla

Stormers head coach John Dobson has laid bare the devastating news that Seabelo Senatla might never play rugby again.

Seabelo Senatla Stormers wing

Stormers wing Seabelo Senatla. Photo: WP Rugby.

Stormers head coach John Dobson has laid bare the devastating news that Seabelo Senatla might never play rugby again.

The former Blitzboks wing has enjoyed a few great seasons with the Stormers but has now been struck down by a career-threatening event.

Senatla was in a car accident in early May and was withdrawn from the team that beat the Bulls in the Stormers’ United Rugby Championship quarter-final.

Senatla suffered nerve damage

Dobson has since revealed the magnitude of the accident. And it’s unpleasant reading.

In an interview with Sport24 on Thursday, Dobson revealed the harsh realities of Senatla situation, saying no-one is sure if he’ll ever be able to play again and that the next two operations will determine the player’s fate.

“There’s no chance he’ll play in the final,” Dobson said. “He’s got an arm injury that has nerve damage and it is very serious.

“You cannot be certain when he will play again.

“There have been several operations already and it will have long-term consequences. The next two ops will probably be decisive in determining any return to rugby.

“But we are standing by Seabelo … he is a very popular and special member of the team. It’s been a traumatic blow to us.”

Stormers
Seabelo Senatla of Stormers celebrates after winning the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 semi final match between Stormers and Ulster held at Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa, 11 June 2022. Image: PA/NIC BOTHMA

Stormers final a sell out

If you didn’t manage to buy tickets for the Stormers against Munster you will be watching on TV as the match is now sold out.

DHL Stadium is going to be at capacity for the United Rugby Championship final following a whirlwind three hours of ticket sales.

ALSO READ: Expert tips to win the final – WATCH

While many complained on social media about not being able to buy, more than 55 000 will be at the ground on Saturday, 27 May when the final kicks off at 18:30.

ALSO READ: Stormers against Bulls for Vermeulen’s signature

The DHL Stormers defeated Connacht 43-25 in their home semi-final and with top seeds Leinster losing out to Irish rivals Munster in Dublin, the showpiece match will take place in Cape Town for the second successive season.

And Munster’s Rowntree is confident his team can continue the trend of upsetting the favourites they will come up against.

ALSO READ: Uncapped Stormers forward get Bok shout out

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