Fit De Jager raring to go

Rudolph Jacobs

Big Springbok lock Lood de Jager (below) is champing at the bit to be involved on the field with the national team once again, following an injury hiatus stretching back to May.

De Jager formed part of a 20man Bok training squad who were preparing for the end-of-the-year tour in Stellenbosch ahead of their departure for England on Saturday.

“It’s been a long time. I believe it’s been longer than five months that I have been injured, so it’s great to be back with the guys and we are training real hard here in Stellenbosch,” De Jager said.

The burly player, who had turned out in 36 Tests, picked up a chest injury while playing for the Bulls during the Super Rugby campaign, which ruled him out of the home Test series against England in June as well as the recent Rugby Championship.

Experiencing his first stint with the Boks under head coach Rassie Erasmus, the 25-year-old player said the extreme conditions in the Western Cape had not really had an affect on their camp.

“It’s hot at about 37 degrees, but I’m really enjoying it here. It’s a great feeling just being here and being part of it,” De Jager said.

“It’s just been a good experience the last few days and I’m looking forward to the rest of the time here.”

While Eben Etzebeth and Franco Mostert had established themselves as the Bok lock combination, the uncertainty around Mostert’s Gloucester connections could bring De Jager and RG Snyman back in the frame for the November 3 fixture against England.

With Pieter-Steph du Toit now firmly focussing on the No 7 flanker’s role, a player like fiery Western Province’s young lock JD Schickerling could also enter the selection frame.

The Boks, however, were no doubt relieved to have De Jager, the 2015 SA Player-of-the-Year, back in the mix.