SA Rugby respond to Kolisi injury queries, but still no clue about recovery time

Though SA Rugby finally responded to questions about Springbok captain Siya Kolisi’s injury and subsequent surgery, rugby fans are no closer to knowing the extent of the injury suffered by the 2019 World Cup winner and for how long he will be sidelined.

Kolisi picked up the right knee injury in his last home game for the Sharks at Kings Park in Durban on April 22 and underwent surgery in Cape Town last Friday.

He confirmed this in a brief statement on a social media account that read: “Op went well, the hard work starts now. Thanks for all the prayers, messages and support.”

But what type of operation Kolisi underwent and for how long he will be out of action — and whether his World Cup participation in four months’ time is in doubt — is not known.

Only Kolisi can reveal recovery time

SA Rugby in a reply to The Citizen’s questions about Kolisi’s injury, simply said that “due to the Popia Act the only person who can answer what type of surgery was done and how long he will be out for is Siya himself.”

It is believed Kolisi partially tore his ACL, which would mean nine months out of the game — if he underwent surgery to repair it.

But, if he has only had work done on a damaged meniscus then he could be out for four months — still putting his 2023 Rugby World Cup participation in doubt.

SA Rugby statement

SA Rugby on Wednesday morning released a statement that reads: “We will monitor the rehabilitation of Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, following surgery on an injury suffered to his right knee in a recent United Rugby Championship match.

“Kolisi underwent the operation on Friday and Springbok team doctor Jerome Mampane and his medical team will continue to monitor his recovery and rehabilitation. Mampane said it was too early to make any reliable forecasts on when Kolisi may be able to return to play.”

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber is quoted as saying: “We wish Siya well during his recovery and we know that he will do everything possible to return to play soon as possible.”