Springbok Jesse Kriel provides post-surgery update

South Africa centre Jesse Kriel has shared a photo of his right thumb in a cast after recently undergoing surgery for an ongoing issue.

The double World Cup winner made an announcement through his club Yokohama Canon Eagles in Japan Rugby League One last week that he will be out of action for a while in order to undergo an operation. The surgery appears to have been a success following a recent post on Instagram, and he now starts his rehabilitation process.

The positive news for South Africa is that Kriel hopes to be back for the end of the Japanese season, where the Canon Eagles currently sit in fourth place in the league, which means he will likely be available for the Springboks' fixtures against Ireland in July.

Kriel said: “I've been struggling with my thumb that I need to go to get repaired and I have to have a surgery so I will be away for a while.

“Obviously, I’m disappointed that I cannot be on the field with Eagles, I just want to ask you guys please continue to keep supporting the team and we've got a great team that is capable of doing amazing things and they need your support every day and every weekend at the games.

“Hopefully I won't miss too many games and I will be back for the end of the season for a few games. So, I will do my best to recover as fast as possible.”

The more worrying news for South Africa is that Kriel's South Africa and Canon Eagles teammate Faf de Klerk has also been forced to undergo surgery for a knee issue. There is no indication, however, as to how long the scrum-half will be out of action for.

De Klerk said in his message: “I'm really disappointed that I must receive surgery on my knee but I can't wait to get back on the field with the Eagles family as soon as possible. I will work really hard, but, ask that everyone please support the team. Arigato.”