The Springboks have released several injured players. So when will the likes of Pieter-Steph du Toit and Lukhanyo Am be back?
This past weekend, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed that six players had been relased from the team camp in order to complete their injury rehabilitation at their clubs and franchises.
This comes in addition to a few long-term injuries.
HERE IS WHERE THINGS STAND FOR A HOST OF INJURED SPRINGBOKS:
Lukhanyo Am (knee): There will be some concern over the fact that the outside centre has been released as a result of a troublesome knee injury, and although his recovery timeline has not been specified, it’s expected that he will only come back into contention for the Rugby Championship.
Pieter-Steph du Toit (shoulder): Another unfortunate injury for the Springboks to contend with. Du Toit has been ruled out of the July Tests against Italy and the one-off clash against Georgia.
Cameron Hanekom (hamstring): The talented loose forward has just undergone surgery, and is only likely to be available at the back-end of the Rugby Championship, or for the end-of-year tour.
Juarno Augustus (back): The powerful loose forward, who is set to join Ulster next season, has been unable to join up with the Springboks as expected due to an unfortunate injury issue that will also see him miss the July Tests.
Gerhard Steenekamp (knee): The 28-year-old hasn’t featured since early March when he suffered a knee injury that led to some unfortunate complications following a minor procedure. It’s hoped that he will be ready for the Rugby Championship:
Ntuthuko Mchunu (knee): Another prop who will be out for some time, with the Springboks only expected to be able to consider calling on his services at some point during the Rugby Championship.
Frans Malherbe (back): There is a chance he could be rested for the July internationals, but the big prop should certainly be readily available for the Rugby Championship.
Elrigh Louw (leg): He has unfortunately been ruled out for the entire 2025 season.
Ben-Jason Dixon (wrist): The loose forward will miss the July internationals, but could be back in contention during the Rugby Championship.
Deon Fourie (ankle): The veteran utility forward should be back in training before the Rugby Championship.
HOW MANY GAMES DO YOU THINK THE TEAM WILL WIN THIS YEAR?
