Springbok back-rower Elrigh Louw has shared some key insights into his rigorous, but successful rehabilitation, hinting at a potential early comeback.

The 25-year-old needed corrective surgery after sustaining the knee injury in the Bulls’ United Rugby Championship derby against the Lions at Ellis Park on 25 January.

It was later confirmed that he would be sidelined for the entirety of the 2025 rugby season, but the Springbok has now confirmed that his comeback trail has taken on a more positive outlook.

Speaking at the launch of the new partnership between the Springboks and leading detergent brand Omo in Johannesburg, a smiling Louw – still sporting crutches and a leg brace – shared the unexpected, but wonderful news about his road to recovery and his rehabilitation programme.

“The injury’s going as well as it could at the moment, I’m definitely ahead of schedule,” the Springbok boastfully told reporters.

“Hopefully, I’m gonna get rid of the crutches in the next couple of weeks and then the brace and then I’ll be walking and life can continue a bit more normally for me,” Louw explained.

Though the Springbok has not altered his expectations with regarding to his return to the playing field, Louw still cut an optimistic figure when talking about the touchy subject.

“It’s obviously not easy, I was sad for a bit but then I set myself goals and as you reach them you get motivated [to carry on]. I actually just take it day by day,” said the Springbok loose forward.

“I won’t be back this year, I’ll only be back next year February, that’s my target.”

Louw made his Springbok debut in 2022 and has since chalked up 13 Test caps, scoring one try (against Wales last November).

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/crocked-springboks-recovery-takes-new-twist/