Springbok Pieter-Steph du Toit is reportedly set to return home from Japan several months prior to next year’s Rugby World Cup in France. Photo: Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP.
Springbok good news: 4 key players set to return ahead of Lions tour
There was good news for Springbok supporters and coaching staff with reports that no fewer than four key players are set to return from injury.
Springbok Pieter-Steph du Toit is reportedly set to return home from Japan several months prior to next year’s Rugby World Cup in France. Photo: Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP.
There was good news all-round for Springbok supporters and coaching staff with reports that no fewer than four key players are set to return from injuries well in advance of the British & Irish Lions’ tour of South Africa.
READ | COULD OWEN FARRELL CAPTAIN THE BRITISH & IRISH LIONS IN SA?
Stormers star Pieter-Steph du Toit is set to return to action in the opening round of the Rainbow Cup when the Cape side host the Sharks at the Cape Town Stadium on Friday, 23 April.
Du Toit last played as far back as February 2020 when he suffered a leg injury during Super Rugby.
READ | ELTON JANTJIES RELEASED BY LIONS TO JOIN FRENCH CLUB
According to Sunday’s Rapport newspaper, Du Toit has finally made a full recovery from the injury
Commenting on his long-awaited comeback, Du Toit said: ‘All that matters now is to get back on the field, to get game time under the belt and to just enjoy playing again.’
READ | BULLS RELEASE MARCEL VAN DER MERWE TO JOIN FRENCH CLUB AS MEDICAL JOKER
Meanwhile, Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard (Montpellier) and lock RG Snyman (Munster) are also said to be back in training with their clubs.
Pollard ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament while playing in a French Top 14 clash against Racing 92 last October, while Snyman tore his anterior cruciate ligament against Leinster in August 2020.
READ | STORMERS FAN FAVOURITE JUAN DE JONGH IN ADVANCED TALKS TO RETURN TO THE CAPE
Both key members of the Springbok squad have started training with their clubs and national coach Jacques Nienaber has been told the duo will be ready to play by 1 May.
READ | JAY-Z’S ROC NATION SIGNS FORMER SPRINGBOK SBU NKOSI
Lastly, Eben Etzebeth is also set to recover from his broken finger in time for the three-Test series against the British & Irish Lions.
‘I also saw the scans of Eben’s broken finger. He should be be ready to play within the next six weeks,’ confirmed Nienaber.
As it currently stands, the British & Irish Lions’ tour is scheduled to kick off on 3 July with the first of the three Tests penciled in for 24 July.
Tags:
