Mar 05, 2024 - 12:09
By news24.com

Injury scare for Bok star Kolbe

Star Springbok winger Cheslin Kolbe is sidelined with a hand injury suffered while playing for his Japanese club, Suntory Sungoliath.

Kolbe's hand is currently in a brace and he missed Suntory's 62-0 weekend victory over the Black Rams.

The Tokyo-based Suntory are third on the Japan League One table after winning six out of eight games.

The double-World Cup winner shot a promotional video for South African soccer giants Mamelodi Sundowns over the weekend, where the brace was clearly visible.

The Yellow Nation thanks you for the wish! @CheslinKolbe ????All the best for the remainder of your season! Continue making us proud ?? #Sundowns pic.twitter.com/CW4ikH24ch

Reports out of Japan suggest that Kolbe could be sidelined for four-six weeks.

Sungoliath having some bad luck with their imports.Gareth Anscombe forced to leave club before playing a game and I am now hearing on the grapevine that Sam Cane could be out for 10 weeks (back) and Cheslin Kolbe for 4-6 weeks (hand).#rugbyjp pic.twitter.com/y24JmiATZD

Springbok management will keep a close eye on Kolbe's fitness but he should recover in time for the home series against Ireland in July.

The Boks will hold an alignment camp between 5-6 March. Kolbe's name was not listed in the 43-player group named to assemble in Cape Town.

Springbok 2024 fixtures:

Qatar Airways Cup

Saturday, 22 June: SA v Wales (Twickenham, London)

Incoming Series

Saturday, 6 July: SA v Ireland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)

Saturday, 13 July: SA v Ireland (Kings Park, Durban)

Saturday, 20 July: SA v Portugal (Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein)

Rugby Championship

Saturday, 10 August: Australia v SA (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)

Saturday, 17 August: Australia v SA (Optus Stadium, Perth)