Wilco Louw opens up on dark year and Bok return
SPOTLIGHT: Saturday’s Test against Scotland at Loftus Versfeld is about more than another Springbok cap for Wilco Louw.
It is the culmination of one of the toughest years of the tighthead’s life.
After losing his father, battling illness through the closing stages of the United Rugby Championship and watching the opening Test against England from the stands, Louw finally gets his opportunity to pull on the green and gold again.
It also marks an emotional farewell to Loftus Versfeld, the stadium he has called home for the past three seasons before his move back to Cape Town.
The 31-year-old admitted 2026 has tested him like never before, but credited the support of his family, teammates and the Springbok management for helping him through.
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“It has been a challenging year from January,” Louw said.
“It is incredible to be part of a team that supports you not just when you are wearing rugby boots and a jersey but through all phases of life, wherever you are. We have an incredible team, and we look out for each other.”
Louw was granted time away from the Springbok environment after the death of his father, Marius, in April – a devastating loss for a player who describes his dad as both mentor and best friend.
“We were unbelievable friends. He instilled a love of rugby in me,” Louw said.
“This will be my first Test without my dad. It was so sad to lose him, but I’m thankful for him. It’s a privilege to represent him in the things I do.”
His emotional battle was compounded by a lingering bout of flu that hampered him during the Bulls’ run to the URC final.
That illness ultimately played a role in Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus leaving the experienced prop out of the matchday squad for last week’s victory over England, opting instead for Thomas du Toit and rookie Zach Porthen.
Now fully recovered, Louw says he is ready.
“I appreciated the time to be with my family,” he said.
“I was a bit sick in the last few games of the URC as well and had an interesting incident in the final, but I’m feeling a lot better now, healthy again. It’s a privilege.”
His return comes against a Scotland side boasting one of the strongest packs in international rugby, led by several British and Irish Lions.
Louw knows exactly what awaits.
“I’ve worked with their scrum coach, Pieter de Villiers,” he said.
“He’s a very good scrum coach and they’ve got proper boys in their front row and throughout the pack.
“If you look at the tries they scored against Argentina, a lot came from the forwards and their direct play. They had a good weekend scrumming. They’re a very good pack to scrum against.”
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With South African Pierre Schoeman anchoring Scotland’s front row, Louw expects one of the biggest set-piece examinations of the season.
“They’ve definitely stepped up. Not that they’ve ever been an easy pack to scrum against, they’ve always been a good pack.”
While Schoeman is a close friend, Louw expects their reunion to remain strictly professional.
“There’s not a lot of talking going on normally. It’s a bit dark in there,” he joked.
“It’s always nice to scrum against Pierre. He’s a good friend and an incredible rugby player. Hopefully, there can be a bit of chat afterwards.”
Off the field, Saturday carries added significance.
It will be Louw’s final appearance at Loftus Versfeld before returning to the Stormers, bringing an end to a memorable chapter with the Bulls.
“I’ve got a soft spot for this place,” he said.
“They looked after me really well, especially when my family needed me. Loftus is a fortress, not just for the Bulls, but for South Africa.”
