Springbok loose forward Jean-Luc du Preez has yet to return to the field due to lingering concussion symptoms.
The 31-year-old was expected to make his comeback for Bordeaux Bègles against Racing 92 on Saturday, but was not involved in the Top 14 clash.
According to Rapport, Du Preez will only be permitted to return once he has received clearance from a medical committee.
The former Sharks and Sale Sharks forward has not played since 18 January, with his prolonged absence having previously prompted speculation in France that he could be forced to retire.
“I have serious doubts, but there are medical experts for that,” Bordeaux president Laurent Marti said in June. “If it were my son, I would ask him to stop because I’m very scared.”
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Du Preez subsequently dismissed suggestions that he was considering retirement, telling Rapport that he was targeting a return for the new Top 14 season after consulting several doctors and specialists.
“I hope to be ready next season,” he said at the time. “We’re off for six weeks, then we start pre-season preparations. I hope to be ready for the pre-season, which starts at the end of July.
“My symptoms have improved a lot over the last few months. I’m feeling a lot better at the moment.
“I just thought it was better not to take any chances this past season. I hope to get back on the field as soon as possible.”
The 31-year-old did not respond to Rapport’s latest enquiries about when he now hopes to return.
Du Preez joined Bordeaux from Sale at the end of last year and has earned 14 Test caps for the Springboks between 2016 and 2023.
Just when it appeared he was set to re-establish himself in the Springbok setup last year, illness ruled him out of the Rugby Championship match against the Wallabies in Cape Town before a knee injury sidelined him ahead of the clash against the All Blacks at Eden Park.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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Springbok loose forward Jean-Luc du Preez has yet to return to the field due to lingering concussion symptoms.
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