Kolisi undergoes knee surgery

CAPE TOWN, – South Africa flanker and captain Siya Kolisi had knee surgery on Friday in a bid to be fit for the Rugby World Cup in France which starts in September, according to local media.

Kolisi suffered a partial tear of his anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) last weekend playing for Durban-based Sharks in the United Rugby Championship and there had been fears he would be ruled out of the Boks’ defence of their world title.

The player, his club and South African Rugby previously were tight-lipped over the injury leading to much speculation over his prospects of leading the side in France.

Post surgery, Springboks doctor Jerome Mampane is said to be monitoring Kolisi’s recovery and isn’t ready to give a timeframe for the flanker’s return.

“Mampane said it was too early to make any reliable forecasts on when Kolisi may be able to return to play,” SA Rugby said in a statement.

Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber wished Kolisi well in his recovery, adding: “We know that he will do everything possible to return to play soon as possible.”

Kolisi’s wife Rachel later confirmed on social media that Kolisi had the surgery, which was initially said to rule him out for up to nine months – though that prognosis might have improved.

Kolisi, 31, is key for the Boks as a player and captain and is one of the most respected figures in the rugby world.

South Africa, name their final 33-man squad for the World Cup on Aug. 8 and begin their title defence on September 10th against Scotland in Marseille. The Springboks have Scotland, top-ranked Ireland, Romania and Tonga in their World Cup pool.