Surgery puts Bok's international season in doubt
INJURY REPORT: Springbok lock Lood de Jager could miss South Africa’s international season after undergoing hip surgery.
The second-row forward will miss the remainder of the Japanese League One campaign, with his club, the Wild Knights, confirming the injury setback on Friday.
While the Japanese outfit did not confirm the length of De Jager’s recovery, rehabilitation from hip surgery typically takes between six and 12 months.
That timeframe places the 33-year-old in danger of missing the Springboks’ mid-year Tests and could also see him sidelined for the historic Greatest Rivalry Tour against the All Blacks later this year.
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The latest setback continues a frustrating period for the experienced lock, who has endured a challenging 2025 due to injury issues. De Jager also served a four-match suspension after receiving a red card for a high tackle on Thomas Ramos during the Springboks’ 32-17 win over France in Paris last November.
De Jager has confirmed that he will complete his rehabilitation in South Africa.
“I was really looking forward to the season and contributing to a successful campaign for the Wild Knights,” De Jager said.
“Unfortunately, I sustained a hip injury during international duty with the Springboks.
“Hip surgery was required, and I will be conducting my rehab in South Africa.”
