Three Springboks already set to miss start of the season?

There is already a rather lengthy injury list when it comes to Springbok players, and some may be out for an extended period.

Springbok star Manie Libbok. Image: Instagram @manielibbok

After a taxing season in 2024, there has understandably been an accumulation of injuries as many players have continued to be in action in northern hemisphere competitions such as the URC, and there will be some concerns over a few long-term injuries for the Springboks.

The latest Springbok player to be added to this list includes Elrigh Louw, who admitted he faces a “long and uncertain road ahead” after suffering a worrying knee injury.

Although the Bulls have not provided an injury update, Rapport claims Louw has not undergone surgery due to swelling and a fractured leg, and only once he is able to go under the knife will he find out if he will be able to play again this year.

Meanwhile, flyhalf Manie Libbok went for a scan on the knee he injured during the Stormers’ defeat to Leinster in Dublin, and it remains to be seen if he could also require surgery. In a worst case, scenario, he could be sidelined for up to six months and may miss the July internationals.

Fellow loose forward Pieter-Steph du Toit is also in a race to be fit in time for the start of the international season, while another forward, Steven Kitshoff, still faces uncertainty over whether he will be able to return to the rugby field due to a serious neck injury.

There are many more players sidelined with injuries, and you can see the full list below.

Springbok players who are currently injured

Manie Libbok (leg injury)
Damian Willemse (groin injury)
Steven Kitshoff (neck injury)
Pieter-Steph du Toit (shoulder injury)
Salmaan Moerat (knee injury)
Jan-Hendrik Wessels (ankle injury)
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (clavicle)
Johan Goosen (knee injury)
Ruan Nortje (knee injury)
Aphelele Fassi (knee/ankle injury)
Eben Etzebeth (concussion)
Andre Esterhuizen (knee injury)

Springboks’ 2025 Test schedule:

5 July: vs Italy, Venue TBC
12 July: vs Italy, TBC
19 July: vs Georgia, TBC
16 August: vs Australia, TBC
23 August: vs Australia, TBC
6 September: vs New Zealand, Auckland
13 September: vs New Zealand, Wellington
27 September: vs Argentina, TBC
4 October: vs Argentina, London
1 November: vs Wales, Cardiff
8 November: vs France, Paris
15 November: vs Italy, TBC
22 November: vs Ireland, Dublin