The Vodacom Bulls have confirmed a key member in the Pretoria outfit’s backline corps has undergone surgery and faces a “short period” on the sidelines.
The Bulls on Monday issued a brief statement that veteran playmaker Willie le Roux had “minor repair” to his shoulder and neck and is ruled out for the short term.
Le Roux started against Irish giants Leinster last week at Loftus, where Jake White’s charges snatched a last-gasp win in the round 13 Vodacom URC clash.
“We can confirm that Willie le Roux – this afternoon – underwent a minor repair in the shoulder/neck area. He is expected to return to full fitness within a short period of time as the procedure was a success,” the Bulls stated.
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The two-time World Cup winner was pictured giving the thumbs up from his hospital bed on Instagram. It is believed he will make his return in time to feature in the URC playoffs.
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With just five rounds left in the regular season, the experience of Le Roux would be crucial for the Bulls, who sit third on the log in the race to the playoffs.
The Herd host 15th-placed Zebre Parma on Saturday, with the Italian side travelling to the Highveld on the back of a narrow defeat to the Sharks at Kings Park.
Le Roux could become the eighth Springbok centurion during the 2025 Test season – the 35-year-old currently has 98 Test caps.
Bok boss Rassie Erasmus hinted that Le Roux would get to achieve the feat in South Africa, as Eben Etzebeth did when he became the most-capped Bok in Nelspruit last September.
Photo: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile via Getty Images
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