A World Cup-winning Springbok lock has completed his injury recovery ahead of the 2026 international season.
Veteran lock Lood de Jager has been named in the Saitama Wild Knights’ starting XV for the Japan Rugby League One third-place playoff against the Tokyo Sungoliath.
It will mark a first appearance for the 33-year-old since hip surgery.
The 73-Test Bok’s return comes at a crucial time for the world champions, who have been hit by a growing injury list ahead of their season opener against the Barbarians on 20 June and the Nations Championship Tests against England, Scotland and Wales.
Eben Etzebeth missed the latter stages of the Sharks’ campaign with a hip injury, while Jean Kleyn is not expected to return until mid-July.
RG Snyman has been ruled out for the remainder of the year, while Lions star Ruan Venter’s knee injury ended hopes of a potential switch from the side of the scrum to the second row for the Springboks.
Stormers captain Salmaan Moerat has recently returned to action, but news of De Jager’s return is a significant boost for the Boks.
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De Jager will partner New Zealander Liam Mitchell in the Wild Knights second row, while fellow Springbok Damian de Allende starts in the midfield. Stormers-bound Cheslin Kolbe has been named among the Sungoliath replacements.
Meanwhile, Bok flank Pieter-Steph du Toit is also reportedly on the road to recovery from a shoulder injury that limited him to just three appearances for the Toyota Verblitz this season.
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Photo: Franco Arland/Gallo Images
The post Boks get massive lock boost appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
A World Cup-winning Springbok lock has completed his injury recovery ahead of the 2026 international season.
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