Earlier this year Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed that three players had already been ruled out for the 2025 season.

Steven Kitshoff has of course been forced into retirement due to a neck injury, while Elrigh Louw and Trevor Nyakane are both recovering from long-term injuries, with the latter unlikely to feature for the Springboks again considering he will soon turn 36.

In another bombshell, it’s now been confirmed by Japan club Urayasu D-Rocks that Springbok World Cup winner Jasper Wiese has suffered a serious neck injury.

“I had to come back to South Africa to get an operation on my neck,” Wiese commented. “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to play again this season”

This will come as a massive blow to the Springboks considering that Wiese and Elrigh Louw were regulars at No 8 last season.

It could open the door for talented youngster Cameron Hanekom to now really get a shot at eighthman, while the Springbok coaches may also consider Siya Kolisi in this role after impressing there for the Sharks this season.

Stormers star Evan Roos could also get a look in, while Kwagga Smith has filled in at No 8 before, but it certainly isn’t an ideal bit of news for the Springboks.

SPRINGBOKS’ 2025 TEST SCHEDULE:

TBC: vs Barbarians, TBC, TBC
5 July: vs Italy, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
12 July: vs Italy, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha
19 July: vs Georgia, Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
16 August: vs Australia, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
23 August: vs Australia, DHL Stadium, Cape Town
6 September: vs New Zealand, Auckland
13 September: vs New Zealand, Wellington
27 September: vs Argentina, Kings Park, Durban
4 October: vs Argentina, London
1 November: vs Wales, Cardiff
8 November: vs France, Paris
15 November: vs Italy, Turin
22 November: vs Ireland, Dublin
*SA Rugby are working on adding two more Tests for the Springboks, likely to be against Japan and Portugal

WILL YOU BE ATTENDING ANY OF THESE GAMES?

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/bombshell-top-springbok-ruled-out-for-the-season-with-neck-injury/