White out of ICU after emergency surgery
UPDATE: South Africa Rugby World Cup-winning coach Jake White is set to move out of the intensive care unit (ICU) after a successful abdominal surgery.
The 59-year-old had been unwell during the Bulls’ tour to Wales last week and was unable to attend a United Rugby Championship victory over the Dragons.
When the Bulls returned to South Africa on Sunday, White complained of severe stomach cramps and underwent a 2-hour surgery the same day in a Pretoria hospital.
On Monday, Bulls chief executive Edgar Rathbone told @rugby365com that White’s medical test came out clean and he will be moved out of the intensive care unit (ICU) on Tuesday.
“All the tests that they have done on Jake is clean,” Rathbone said, adding: “So he is out of danger and will be transferred out of ICU [on Tuesday].”
#REACTION: “Great start to the new year for us.” @BlueBullsRugby scrum coach Werner Kruger on win over @dragonsrugby https://t.co/z70Xq1UCuB
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) January 9, 2023
Rathbone also released a statement earlier on Monday where he thanked the hospital staff of Pretoria Hospital.
“Special thanks to the hospital team, doctors and all those who rushed to offer their expertise and help Jake.”
White will miss several matches, starting with a European Champions Cup pool clash against Exeter Chiefs in Pretoria on Saturday.
The World Cup winner will be taking a brief break from his team duties until February 8.
The Bulls stated that they cannot place a timestamp on the length of this period but will be guided by the expertise and advice of the medical staff.
He masterminded the Springboks’ 2007 World Cup campaign, which culminated in a 15-6 victory over England in the final at the Stade de France in Paris.
He went on to coach clubs and franchises in Australia, South Africa, France and Japan, and was a technical advisor to Tonga, before joining the Bulls three years ago as director of rugby.
