Springbok forward ruled out for 2025

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Springboks suffer another blow following Elrigh Louw’s horror injury.

It was a sunny afternoon on January 25; Emirates Airlines Park was the setting, and Lions versus Bulls was the occasion. A crunch match elevated by South African force, 11-10 read the score as the second-half whistle blew – a minute later, Louw was down. It looked terrible from the get-go.

Unknowingly at the time, the 108 kg forward tore the ligaments in his left knee. This will likely be the last time he plays in 2025 following surgery that has him ruled out for eleven months.

Road to recovery

The Cheetahs academy graduate was in fine form heading into the calendar year, putting him in fine stead to add to his fifteen Springbok caps. Louw provided an insight on his road to recovery, telling SA Rugby magazine, “I’m waiting for the specialist to give me the go-ahead so I can start my rehab,

“The specialist said it’s about a year-long recovery but it’s an outcome-based plan, so if I’m feeling better in 11 months or even nine months, then I’ll be ready to go.

“I would like to be back as soon as possible but realistically, I’m targeting January or February next year. I think that’s a good goal for me, to be able to play a few games before the Springbok Tests begin in 2026,” Louw added.

“I had to wait three weeks for the swelling to go down before I could get the operation. After the surgery, for the next week I was stuck in bed. Luckily I’m no longer bed-bound and I can stand up. I can’t put any pressure on my leg, and I can’t bend it.

“A milestone for me is being without pain. I can move freely on crutches now and drive around, so I’m not stuck at home.”