Share

Bulls' Botha out for six months

Pretoria - Bulls loose forward Arno Botha has been ruled out of rugby for at least six months after picking up a knee injury against the Stormers in Saturday's season opening friendly in Polokwane, team doctor Org Strauss confirmed on Monday.

The ACL injury, which will see Botha miss most of the 2014 Super Rugby season, came in his first match back after injuring the same knee in June last year, which ruled him out of the rest of the 2013 season.

Botha was taken for scans in Pretoria, which confirmed the diagnosis of an injury to his anterior cruciate ligaments. It will require surgical correction, to be done in Pretoria next Tuesday.

"Arno was pivotal for our Super Rugby campaign during 2014. He was very influential in his time on the field against the Stormers before his injury and it was great to see him return to his best form after his previous injury," said Bulls coach Frans Ludeke.

“We wish Arno all the best for the surgery as well as the road to recovery ahead and together with our medical and rehabilitation team we will work together to ensure Arno's return to the field later this year.”

In other setback Jesse Kriel, who scored a try for the Blue Bulls in their match against the Golden Lions, was ruled out for a month due to a calf injury.

Strauss had more positive news about the rest of the squad following the Polokwane match.

Deon Stegmann will miss a week of training follow an abductor strain while Francois Hougaard, Jurgen Visser and Dean Greyling will return to training on Tuesday.

Marvin Orie (four weeks, leg fracture) and Morné Mellett (two weeks, back) are still out of action.
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!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 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