Springbok and Stormers flank Pieter-Steph du Toit is reportedly ready to return to training after spending almost a year on the sidelines through injury.
The 28-year-old has spent close to a year on the sidelines after picking up while playing for the Stormers in their Super Rugby match against the Blues at Newlands on 28 February 2020.
The injury nearly cost Du Toit his leg as the haematoma quickly developed into acute compartment syndrome.
However, according to Sunday newspaper Rapport, after undergoing a few successful operations, both the hematoma and the quadricep muscle injury have recovered.
Du Toit has lately been running at full pace with no complications, which is a good indication that he will be ready for the Stormers’ next tournament, whether that is the Franchise Cup or Rainbow Cup.
The 2019 SA Rugby and World Rugby Player of the Year played just six times in 2020 before his injury and was not involved at all in the recently completed Super Rugby Unlocked and Currie Cup season.
It is not the first time that Du Toit has had to fight his way back onto the field as during his time with the Sharks, before he joined the Stormers, he underwent five surgeries in as many years.
Du Toit’s recovery is not the only good news for the Springboks, who are still hoping to face the British & Irish Lions in July. Flyhalf Handre Pollard and lock pair Lood de Jager and RG Snyman are also making good progress on their injuries and should be able to get some games under their belt before the Test series.
READ: What’s in our latest issue?
Photo: Carl Fourie/Gallo Images
