Promising Springbok and Blue Bulls hooker Chilliboy Ralepelle faces a further four to six weeks on the sidelines before he is likely to be cleared to play any rugby.
The former South Africa Under-19 and U21 captain – who injured his cruciate ligaments in February this year – has been advised by his surgeon, Dr Eugene Pelser, not to return prematurely.
“I’m training well and I am getting bigger, stronger and fitter as the time goes by – but I will definitely not start playing until Dr Pelser gives me the green light,” he said.
Another six-week lay-off for Ralepelle would see him miss the entire 2007 Absa Currie Cup season, but he will be fit and raring to go for next year’s Super 14 campaign – a boost for the player and the Bulls, who will be without the Harlequins-bound Gary Botha next season.
Meanwhile, in other Bulls-related injury news, Springbok loose forward Pedrie Wannenburg has been cleared to take on the Golden Lions on Saturday, whilst lock Wilhelm Steenkamp is also available after recovering from a sternum injury.
Still sidelined in Pretoria, however, are flanker and captain Johan Wasserman (hand), No.8 Dewald Potgieter (Achilles) and winger Trompie Nontshinga (bicep). Potgieter is expected to return from his Achilles injury in three weeks’ time.
The former South Africa Under-19 and U21 captain – who injured his cruciate ligaments in February this year – has been advised by his surgeon, Dr Eugene Pelser, not to return prematurely.
“I’m training well and I am getting bigger, stronger and fitter as the time goes by – but I will definitely not start playing until Dr Pelser gives me the green light,” he said.
Another six-week lay-off for Ralepelle would see him miss the entire 2007 Absa Currie Cup season, but he will be fit and raring to go for next year’s Super 14 campaign – a boost for the player and the Bulls, who will be without the Harlequins-bound Gary Botha next season.
Meanwhile, in other Bulls-related injury news, Springbok loose forward Pedrie Wannenburg has been cleared to take on the Golden Lions on Saturday, whilst lock Wilhelm Steenkamp is also available after recovering from a sternum injury.
Still sidelined in Pretoria, however, are flanker and captain Johan Wasserman (hand), No.8 Dewald Potgieter (Achilles) and winger Trompie Nontshinga (bicep). Potgieter is expected to return from his Achilles injury in three weeks’ time.
365 Digital
