At the start of this year, one of the biggest early blows to the Springboks has been the long-term injury suffered by talented loose forward Elrigh Louw during a URC game for the Bulls.

The loose forward left the field on a golf cart in visible agony after sustaining what looked to be a serious knee injury, but it later emerged that he had also broken his left leg.

Louw has yet to have an operation due to swelling around his injury area, and he recently admitted that he faced an “uncertain” road ahead.

However, it’s now believed that he will go under the knife in Johannesburg on Tuesday, and only after that operation will his rehabilitation programme become clearer.

This crucial surgery will be conducted by Dr Bradley Gelbart, who successfully operated on the knee of Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx, who suffered a serious injury at training during the 2023 World Cup.

In a recent interview with Rapport, Louw’s father Dawid admitted it has been a major shock to the family.

“I was numb when I heard how serious it was,” he said. “It was a very difficult thing for me. I was devastated. Shocked. As I processed it, it affected me tremendously emotionally.

“I began to consider the possibility that Elrigh wouldn’t be able to play rugby again, or wouldn’t be able to play again for another year… There’s still a lot of uncertainty about the outcome of the injury.”

Springbok players who are currently injured

  • Manie Libbok (leg injury)
  • Damian Willemse (groin injury)
  • Steven Kitshoff (neck injury)
  • Pieter-Steph du Toit (shoulder injury)
  • Salmaan Moerat (knee injury)
  • Jan-Hendrik Wessels (ankle injury)
  • Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (clavicle)
  • Johan Goosen (knee injury)
  • Ruan Nortje (knee injury)
  • Aphelele Fassi (knee/ankle injury)
  • Eben Etzebeth (concussion)
  • Andre Esterhuizen (knee injury)
  • Elrigh Louw (knee injury)

Springboks’ 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

ARE THERE ANY OTHER INJURED BOKS WE MAY HAVE MISSED IN OUR LIST?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/top-springbok-set-for-career-defining-surgery-after-horror-injury/