Bok skyscraper out for season

Springbok lock Lood de Jager is facing a race against time to be fit for the start of what is shaping up to be a blockbuster international season.

De Jager’s Japanese club, the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights, confirmed on Friday that the towering lock will miss the remainder of their domestic campaign after undergoing hip surgery.

While the exact length of his recovery has not been disclosed, rehabilitation from hip surgery can typically range from six to 12 months, placing his availability for the Springboks’ upcoming Tests in serious doubt.

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That timeline puts De Jager under pressure ahead of the mid-year internationals and could even threaten his involvement in the four-Test series against the All Blacks later in the year, part of the historic Greatest Rivalry Tour.

The 33-year-old has confirmed that he will complete his rehabilitation in South Africa.

It continues a frustrating spell for the former Vodacom Bulls lock, who has endured a stop-start 2025 due to injury setbacks, compounded by a four-match suspension following a red card for a high tackle on Thomas Ramos during the Boks’ 32-17 victory over France in Paris last November.

Photo: Floris van Schouwenburg/Gallo Images