Boks lose Kolbe to injury

Cheslin Kolbe, who was named among 35 players for the Boks’ first training camp of the year, joined his Springboks teammates in the country’s capital city on Sunday evening, but was released yesterday to examine the extent of a knee niggle picked up during his regular Japanese club season.

The Vodacom Bulls – who face Leinster in their Vodacom URC semi-final at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday – agreed to release the uncapped Mpilo Gumede, who attended the last Bok alignment camp, to join the training squad.

The group now includes 19 forwards and 16 backline players.

“Celimpilo has been playing impressive rugby this season and we are excited to see how he integrates in the squad and what he has to offer at training,” said Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus.

“We would like to extend our gratitude to the Vodacom Bulls for allowing him to join us at short notice, especially at such an important point of their URC season.”

The Boks will conclude the first week of their training camp on Friday and will re-assemble on Sunday.

The team that will face Wales in the opening Test of the season at Twickenham will be named next Tuesday, with the squad set to depart for London a day later.

This article first appeared in SA Rugby Magazine.