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Port Elizabeth - The Southern Kings emerged relatively unscathed on the injury front after completing their pre-season preparations for Super Rugby.
Following two successful friendly matches against the SWD Eagles, which the Kings won 42-25, and a 28-10 victory over the Border Bulldogs, the team only sustained minor knocks and bruises - a good sign before the first Super Rugby match against the Jaguares on February 25.
However, over the past week the side has seen four players sustained concussions. Lock Irne Herbst, flank Chris Cloete and Neil Maritz sustained concussions during training, while flyhalf Pieter-Steyn de Wet sustained a concussion during the Southern Kings’ match against the SWD Eagles.
The quartet is going through the return-to-play protocol this week.
“We are fortunate not to have any new or serious injuries after our pre-season matches. Our four players who sustained concussions are making good progress as they go through the return-to-play protocol. It is extremely vital that we take the most caution and adhere to the protocol before players return to the field. At this stage we are hopeful that all the players will be available for our first Super Rugby match against the Jaguares,” team doctor Konrad von Hagen said.
Wing Wandile Mjekevu joined the team at full training on Monday after recovering from a foot injury.
Prop Dayan van der Westhuizen, who is nursing a torn plantar fascia (foot), is making good progress in his rehabilitation.
Flank CJ Velleman, who is recovering from a knee injury, is making good progress and remains on track for a return to action in April.
