'Really disappointed': More Boks on the sidelines after surgeries
NEWS: A few more Springboks have been added to the injury list.
World Cup winners Faf de Klerk and Jesse Kriel are both on the sidelines after going under the knife.
Both players have been on duty for the Eagles in Japan after helping the Boks win the World Cup once again in France in October.
De Klerk revealed that he has had knee surgery, while Kriel went under the knife for a broken thumb.
Kriel posted a picture of himself enjoying some downtime in Cape Town with his right hand in a cast.
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“I will be away for a while. Obviously, I’m disappointed that I cannot be on the field with the Eagles.
“I just want to ask you guys to continue supporting the team and we’ve got a great team that is capable of doing amazing things and they need your support every day and every weekend at the games,” said Kriel.
“Hopefully, I won’t miss too many games and I will be back for the end of the season for a few games.
“I will do my best to recover as fast as possible. Thank you for your support.”
Meanwhile, De Klerk is also hoping for a speedy recovery.
“I’m really disappointed that I must receive surgery on my knee,” said De Klerk.
“I can’t wait to get back on the field with the Eagles family as soon as possible.
“I will work really hard but ask that everyone please support the team. Arigato.”
The Springboks start their two-Test series with Ireland on July 6 in Pretoria.
Other Boks that recently underwent surgery after the World Cup include Bongi Mbonambi (knee), RG Snyman (chest/shoulder) and Jean Kleyn (knee).
Vincent Koch has also been out since the World Cup with a knee injury.
Mbonambi and Koch are expected to return to action for the Sharks soon.
