Cape Town - National coach Heyneke Meyer says the door is not shut on prop Trevor Nyakane to make a return to the Springbok squad.
The 24-year-old was on Sunday axed from the Bok squad for disciplinary reasons, with official word from the Bok camp saying he "repeatedly breached team protocol".
The Cheetahs prop missed a flight to the Bok training camp last week and also missed a video session without permission.
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He is also unfit, and sources close to the team said his "constant eating" is a big concern for the Bok coaching staff.
Meyer, however, said the talented Nyakane can come back into consideration if he improves his discipline and commitment.
"The ball is now in his court," Meyer told the Beeld website.
"I must mention that I'm disappointed in him, but not angry. He let the team down. I told him it's unacceptable when he arrived late (for our training camp) in Johannesburg. Then, when he also arrived 15 minutes late for our video session, I told him that was the last time.
"He would have been in the team for the match at FNB Stadium, but I didn't pick him due to disciplinary reasons. After our last team meeting in Johannesburg I told him he is a gifted player and I will take him along on tour, because he needs this touring experience. He would not have played on the tour due to disciplinary reasons, but it was a lesson he had to learn.
"I told him to go to his room and that we would see each other the next morning (Sunday) and then depart. But then he also missed the team's flight.
"If he wants to play for South Africa again, he must improve his discipline and work on his fitness."
Meyer said he is confident Nyakane will emerge a better player from this experience.
"It's not as though he got drunk and hit someone. But if I make exceptions, then he won't learn. Discipline is non-negotiable. I didn't want to make this public, but Trevor must now take responsibility for his actions. He immediately admitted he was wrong.
"(But) I'm sure he'll come back a better player. But when that will be, will depend on him," said Meyer.
The Boks are currently in Buenos Aires preparing for Saturday's clash against the Pumas in Mendoza.
Kick-off is at 21:10 (SA time).
The 24-year-old was on Sunday axed from the Bok squad for disciplinary reasons, with official word from the Bok camp saying he "repeatedly breached team protocol".
The Cheetahs prop missed a flight to the Bok training camp last week and also missed a video session without permission.
GALLERY: Top 10 Rugby bad boys
He is also unfit, and sources close to the team said his "constant eating" is a big concern for the Bok coaching staff.
Meyer, however, said the talented Nyakane can come back into consideration if he improves his discipline and commitment.
"The ball is now in his court," Meyer told the Beeld website.
"I must mention that I'm disappointed in him, but not angry. He let the team down. I told him it's unacceptable when he arrived late (for our training camp) in Johannesburg. Then, when he also arrived 15 minutes late for our video session, I told him that was the last time.
"He would have been in the team for the match at FNB Stadium, but I didn't pick him due to disciplinary reasons. After our last team meeting in Johannesburg I told him he is a gifted player and I will take him along on tour, because he needs this touring experience. He would not have played on the tour due to disciplinary reasons, but it was a lesson he had to learn.
"I told him to go to his room and that we would see each other the next morning (Sunday) and then depart. But then he also missed the team's flight.
"If he wants to play for South Africa again, he must improve his discipline and work on his fitness."
Meyer said he is confident Nyakane will emerge a better player from this experience.
"It's not as though he got drunk and hit someone. But if I make exceptions, then he won't learn. Discipline is non-negotiable. I didn't want to make this public, but Trevor must now take responsibility for his actions. He immediately admitted he was wrong.
"(But) I'm sure he'll come back a better player. But when that will be, will depend on him," said Meyer.
The Boks are currently in Buenos Aires preparing for Saturday's clash against the Pumas in Mendoza.
Kick-off is at 21:10 (SA time).