Springbok lock Lood de Jager has been passed fit and could return to play for the Sale Sharks this weekend after recovering from his shoulder injury.
De Jager has been out since injuring his shoulder during a Premiership match against the Leicester Tigers last September.
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It is the third time that De Jager has undergone surgery on one of his shoulders after he suffered similar injuries while playing for the Springboks at the 2019 World Cup in Japan and the Vodacom Bulls in Super Rugby.
As reported by RugbyPass, De Jager has been passed and returned to training ahead of Sale’s trip to face Harlequins on Saturday afternoon. The 2019 World Cup winner is likely to be named among the substitutes, with Cobus Wiese and JP du Preez in contention to start.
Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson has reportedly been impressed with De Jager’s ball-handling ability in training.
‘The big man is up for selection along with Cobus Wiese which means potentially two big South Africans [against Harlequins],’ Sanderson said. ‘He has followed his return-to-play programme and I have been told his shoulders are all metal now.
‘The reason his shoulders have been injured is that he is so co-ordinated and able to hit so well and also pass. You think it is going to be a case of set-piece work but he can do all of that. His work around the park is really good and I’m looking forward to selecting him.’
The news of De Jager’s return will be welcomed by the Springbok coaching staff, who are continuing to monitor players across the globe in preparation for the upcoming British & Irish Lions series.
Sanderson also confirmed that Springboks Rohan Janse van Rensburg and Akker van der Merwe won’t be available this weekend as they are still making their way back from leg injuries.
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