Share

It’s a miracle, says Bok skipper Jean

Cape Town - Springbok captain Jean de Villiers has described his recovery process from a serious knee injury as a “miracle”.

De Villiers suffered a horrific knee injury in the Springboks’ final Test against Wales in Cardiff late last year.

He is currently undergoing intensive rehabilitation and is in a race against time to prove his fitness for the Rugby World Cup in England and Wales later this year.

The tournament runs from September 18-October 31.

De Villiers told Netwerk24 recovering from this injury has been the biggest challenge of his rugby career.

“However, the way I’ve recovered these last five months has been nothing short of a miracle. When I was laying there on the Cardiff turf in severe pain, I thought to myself I’d be lucky if I ever walk again.

“But the specialists and medical personnel have performed wonders and they even made use of artificial ligaments to help rebuild my knee.”

De Villiers is targeting a return to the playing field in July.

“The problem is that there won’t be a lot of rugby on the go at that time, because the Currie Cup would not have started and I’ll probably have to make my return in club games.”

The 34-year-old made his Test debut against France in Marseille in 2002 and has since represented the Springboks in 106 Tests.

He became Bok captain in 2012.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE