Springboks duo undergo surgery! Setback or blessing?

Two-time World Cup winning Springboks Jesse Kriel and Faf de Klerk have both been operated on in Japan, and could be sidelined for several months.

Kriel and De Klerk, who both play for the Canon Eagles in the League One in Japan, were key members of the Springboks’ successful World Cup campaign in France last year, when South Africa clinched back-to-back Webb Ellis Cup titles.

Unfortunately for the Canon Eagles, they’ll be without their star duo for the foreseeable future as they recently underwent surgery for their respective injuries.

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Kriel announced his temporary absence for an operation on his right thumb, which has been successful according to his recent Instagram post.

He aims to return for the end of the season, likely making him available for the Boks’ July fixtures against Ireland in the Republic.

“I’ve been struggling with my thumb that I need to go to get repaired and I have to have a surgery so I will be away for a while,” he wrote.

“Hopefully I won’t miss too many games and I will be back for the end of the season for a few games. So, I will do my best to recover as fast as possible.”

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De Klerk had to have knee surgery, but there’s no specified timeframe for his recovery. Still the Springboks’ primary scrumhalf, de Klerk said he was disappointment to be sidelined but vowed to work hard to make an early return.

“I’m really disappointed that I must receive surgery on my knee but I can’t wait to get back on the field with the Eagles family as soon as possible,” he posted on social media. “I will work really hard, but, ask that everyone please support the team. Arigato.”

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