Doc happy with Kings' fitness

Port Elizabeth - The Southern Kings Super Rugby squad returned to training on Monday following a two and a half week Christmas break.

After assessing the players, team doctor Konrad von Hagen was pleased to report that there were no new injuries sustained over the break.

Furthermore, the medical team is pleased with the progress of the players who have been on the injury list.

“We are quite fortunate that following a successful first half of our pre-season and the Christmas break we have had no new injury concerns and the players have returned injury-free. We are very happy with this,” said Von Hagen.

“We are also quite pleased with the good progress that our players who have been on our injury list since last year. They are all on track and we expect most of them to make full recoveries by the end of this month (January), in time for our first Super Rugby match.”

The Kings open their Super Rugby campaign at home against the Jaguares on Saturday, February 25.

Update on injured players:

•    Sintu Manjezi (knee) is on track and is expected to make a full recovery at the end of the month.
•    Chris Cloete (knee) is on track and is expected to make a full recovery at the end of the month.
•    CJ Velleman (knee) is expected to make a full recovery in April
•    Tango Balekile (shoulder) is on track and is expected to make a full recovery at the end of the month.
•    Tyler Paul (shoulder) is on track and is expected to make a full recovery at the end of the month.
•    Malcolm Jaer (hamstring) sustained a hamstring injury during his time with the SA Sevens, he is on track and is expected to make a full recovery in two weeks.
•    Wandile Mjekevu (foot) is on track and is expected to make a full recovery at the end of the month.