During the 2024 Test season, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus actively sought to hand more game-time to several newcomers and youngsters as he began to plot the pathway through to the next World Cup.

One of those ‘next gen’ players was 25-year-old Elrigh Louw, who featured in 10 Tests last year, adding to his two caps from 2022 in what was a breakthrough Springbok season for him.

Unfortunately the talented loose forward was rushed to hospital during Saturday’s win for the Bulls against the Lions at Ellis Park, having been stretchered from the field after suffering a gruesome knee injury during a tackle from fellow Bok Ruan Venter.

Taking to his social media this week, Louw gave an update on his condition on social media, posting “Long and uncertain road ahead, but I WILL be back”.

SOME GOOD NEWS ELSEWHERE FOR THE SPRINGBOKS

Meanwhile, Pieter-Steph du Toit is said to be making a swift recovery from shoulder surgery after undergoing a complex procedure last week, as confirmed by Toyota Verblitz’s chief Steve Hansen.

Hansen, speaking to Sport Nation’s Beaver & Guy, expressed disappointment at Du Toit’s absence: “Big Piet is not here at the moment; he hurt his shoulder in the November Tests. He could be out for the whole season, so it’s a bit disappointing.”

But the good news is that the reigning World Player of the Year is likely to return to action by the end of May, giving him enough time to prepare for the Springboks’ first Test of 2025 against Italy on 5 July. 

2025 Test schedule:
5 July: vs Italy, Venue TBC
12 July: vs Italy, TBC
19 July: vs Georgia, TBC
16 August: vs Australia, TBC
23 August: vs Australia, TBC
6 September: vs New Zealand, Auckland
13 September: vs New Zealand, Wellington
27 September: vs Argentina, TBC
4 October: vs Argentina, London
1 November: vs Wales, Cardiff
8 November: vs France, Paris
15 November: vs Italy, TBC
22 November: vs Ireland, Dublin

WHICH FIXTURES ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/talented-springbok-admits-he-faces-uncertain-injury-recovery/