Springboks Suffer Kolbe Injury Blow Ahead of Wales Clash
Paris, September 23, 2023 – In a disappointing turn of events, the South African rugby union team has been forced to release star winger Cheslin Kolbe from their squad due to a persistent knee injury. The double World Cup winner, who was initially included in the 35-player Springboks roster, will now undergo a medical examination to address the niggling issue he picked up while playing for Tokyo Sungoliath earlier this year.
Replacing Kolbe in the squad is the uncapped 23-year-old loose forward Celimpilo Gumede, who has been released by the Bulls ahead of their United Rugby Championship semi-final against Leinster. Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus expressed excitement at Gumede’s integration into the squad, stating, “> Celimpilo has been playing impressive rugby this season, and we are eager to see how he performs in training.”
The Kolbe injury casts doubt over the dynamic winger’s availability for South Africa’s upcoming test against Wales at Twickenham on June 22, as well as the highly anticipated two-match series against Six Nations champions Ireland in July. The world champions are scheduled to conclude their first week of training camp this Friday before reassembling on Sunday to prepare for the Wales clash, with the final squad set to be announced on Tuesday.
Erasmus had previously stated that “> there are a few unlucky players who missed out on selection this time, but the door will always be open for them to be called up if the need arises.” True to his word, the inclusion of the uncapped Gumede now provides an opportunity for the young talent to make his international debut against Wales.
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