Kolbe back in Bok camp, could 'possibly' be available for first Ireland Test

Star Springbok winger Cheslin Kolbe has rejoined his team-mates at their training camp in Pretoria. 

The double World Cup-winner is struggling with a knee injury he sustained on club duty for Tokyo Sungoliath in Japan.

READ | 'We'll see in July': Cheslin Kolbe on whether Ireland 'deserved to be world champions'

After consultation with the Springbok medical team over the weekend, Kolbe was released on Monday to seek specialist opinion.

But he returned to the squad on Wednesday afternoon to follow a rehabilitation programme. This will be done under the watchful eye of the Bok medical staff.

In a statement on Thursday morning, SA Rugby said Kolbe could "possibly" be available for the opening Test against Ireland in Pretoria on 6 July. 

He won't travel with the team for the Test against Wales in London on 22 June.

(in alphabetical order):

Forwards:

Phepsi Buthelezi, Joseph Dweba, Ben-Jason Dixon, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Neethling Fouche, Celempilo Gumede, Vincent Koch, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Salmaan Moerat, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Evan Roos, Kwagga Smith, Andre-Hugo Venter, Jasper Wiese 

Backs:

Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Jordan Hendrikse, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Quan Horn, Jesse Kriel, Manie Libbok, Makazole Mapimpi, Siya Masuku, Handre Pollard, Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe, Grant Williams, Cheslin Kolbe (not available for Wales Test)

Springbok fixtures for 2024: 

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

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

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

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

Saturday, 10