Bulls stalwarts expected to return for Challenge Cup play-offs

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls provided an update on the injuries of co-captains Ruan Nortje and Elrigh Louw, and flyhalf Johan Goosen.

Springbok lock Nortje sustained a knee ligament injury in the first half of the Jukskei Derby against the Lions at Ellis Park on January 25.

The skipper has already begun his non-invasive recovery and rehabilitation programme which is expected to be around eight and 10 weeks long.

The 2022/23 United Rugby Championship’s Golden Boot winner, Johan Goosen had a successful operation around the knee and has since begun making a good recovery with his rehab programme expected to run for anywhere between eight and 10 weeks, which he has – successfully – completed two already.

Both Nortje and Goosen are expected to return to action in April, when the Bulls travel to France to take on Bayonne in the EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 and a possible quarterfinal clash should the trip in Pyrénées-Atlantiques go according to plan.

Two weeks later, Jake White and his side will travel to Thomond Park for a United Rugby Championship Round 15 clash against Munster.

The defending champions Glasgow Warriors are lined up a week later at Scotstoun Stadium for Round 16.

Springbok loose forward Louw, who sustained a long-term injury in the opening minutes of the second half in Johannesburg, is currently two weeks post his injury.

However, Louw has yet to have an operation due to swelling around his injured area.

After consultation with a specialist, the 25-year-old is scheduled to have his operation in the coming week or two and his rehabilitation programme will only become clear then.

The injured trio will miss three big South African derbies against the Stormers, Sharks and Lions in consecutive weeks.

The article continues below…

At this stage, it is expected that all three will make full recoveries.

The Bulls revealed that no further updates will be given on the respective players’ journeys to allow them the space to focus fully on their programmes.