VIDEO: Doctors hit the 'books' after Lions playmaker suffers 'strange injury'
SPOTLIGHT: Lions assistant coach Julian Redelinghuys says it’s sad to see flyhalf Kade Wolhuter on the sidelines again after the young gun produced some eye-catching performances in the No.10 jersey.
The 23-year-old playmaker has struggled with injuries over the years and the Johannesburg outfit will be hoping this latest setback is not as serious as previous ones.
Since making the move to Gauteng from Western Province last year, Wolhuter seems to be flourishing in the Lions’ set-up when he is given the opportunity to showcase his attacking abilities.
It was there for all to see in the Lions’ 55-21 win over Edinburgh at Ellis Park over the weekend.
Wolhuter was sensational in the first half, but he limped off the field in the 33rd minute with what looked like a leg injury.
He was subsequently left out of the Lions’ tour squad for matches against the Dragons, Zebre and Leinster.
The story continues below…
“He has a strange injury and they [doctors] had to go back to the books to find out what it is,” Redelinghuys told @rugby365com.
“So, the duration is still a bit unknown. I don’t think it’s long-term.
“Unfortunately, we can’t take a guy on tour that is not ready for the first game. We are hopeful that he might join somewhere if his rehab goes well.
“He is a player that made a massive step up in the Currie Cup and you can just see he is building with confidence and they guys are also enjoying him.
“He is just another tough guy playing lekker Lions rugby and he suits the team well.
“It’s actually sad to have him injured now, but it has opened the door for someone else to come in.
“We’ve been talking about a squad effort and we are relying on all the guys at the union to prepare us for a game.
“It will take a squad effort in this long season that we have.
“It’s unfortunate for him, but we are excited for the guy stepping in.”
The story continues below…
Redelinghuys also confirmed that Springbok Ruan Venter will be on the sidelines for a lengthy period after undergoing shoulder surgery.
“The feedback that we have is that the operation went really well.
“He is a strong man and he’s got a strong mindset.
“I’m sure he will recover really well.
“The way I have it or understand it is that the op went better than expected.
“We are looking forward to having him back as well, but that is in the long-term because there is an operation involved.”
@rugby365com
