Injury blow for Pumas

 

Prop Drew van Coller has a cervical injury and after consultation with a neuro-surgeon and having sustained four previous neck injuries his career could be over at age 28. He will undergo surgery on July 2.

 

Frikkie Spies has suffered an ACL injury to his left knee and will go under the knife for reconstructive surgery which will sideline the lock forward for six to eight months.

 

Lock Eduan van der Walt is suffering from Guillain-Barré Syndrome which is a disorder in where the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. According to Pumas' Doctor Kobus Hugo he is showing progress but is still ruled out for the season. 

 

In better news for the Pumas, Wilmaure Louw (centre)  – who has been struggling with a shoulder injury – should be fit and ready in the next couple of weeks. While hooker Jacques Momberg will return from a knee injury in three weeks. 

 

Pumas' head coach MJ Mentz said: "The loss of these players is a huge concern as they all played a big role in our Vodacom Cup campaign earlier this year." 

 

"The lock and Prop departments are a problem but we can approach players from other unions as soon as the window period opens in July."

 

"At this stage I can mention a short-list of players that we are interested in has been drafted."

 

"We wish the injured players well in their recoveries and hope to see them back soon."