The Springboks will kick off their 2026 season with a blockbuster battle against England in July, but there are a couple of players who will be in a race to be fit for the start of the international calendar.
In a noteworthy piece of news that came to light on Friday, it was confirmed that superstar flank Pieter-Steph du Toit is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines as he returns to South Africa to undergo surgery.
His Japanese club the Toyota Verblitz said Du Toit had suffered a non-specified injury, but his registration in Japan Rugby League One has been suspended.
“It can be confirmed that Pieter-Steph will be out for an extended period. He will undergo surgery in South Africa and his registration for the league has therefore been suspended,” the club said in a statement.
Another big injury update for Springboks
Meanwhile, it’s also been confirmed that another double World Cup winner, Frans Malherbe, has suffered a ‘setback’ in his long-term injury recovery.
The powerful prop has already been out of action for nearly a year, but he is still not ready to return to scrumming training, and it does seem like it will be still be quite some time before he is able to play at the highest level.
“Frans reminded me very directly this week he’s doing rehab every day, which he is,” Stormers director of rugby John Dobson said.
“He’s made a lot of progress with the neck and the back, but he’s actually just got another setback with his hip. They’re not sure if it’s related.
“He’s not changing direction yet, but he’s running at full speed and that’s normally a month or two. But he’s rehabbing properly. It’s all about the nerve and the pain. He’s not scrumming yet, so he’s not certain. But from the running and his general shape, he’s looking good.”
Not the only injury concerns
Last year, it spoke volumes that Springbok stalwart Faf de Klerk only featured in two Tests, and although he will be desperate to fight his way back into selection contention, the veteran scrumhalf is also facing a period of lengthy injury recovery.
At the end of last year it was confirmed that the double World Cup winner has been temporarily withdrawn from Japan’s Rugby League One competition and will return to South Africa for treatment after suffering an ankle injury in the Yokohama Canon Eagles’ season opener.
“Once again, I feel very sad to be leaving and disappointed,” said De Klerk, who missed the closing rounds of last season due to a hand injury.
“I felt I really worked hard to come back and be ready for this season but I’m going back to make sure I get in the best condition possible to come back, join the team again and support if I’m not playing.
“I’ll be back as soon as possible to see all the supporters and players and hopefully join the last few games.”
