JOHANNESBURG – The Springboks’ preparations for a blockbuster 2026 international season have been dealt a significant blow. Veteran powerhouse lock Lood de Jager has been ruled out for the remainder of the Japanese League One season and is highly unlikely to feature in the upcoming July Test series following major hip surgery.
The 33-year-old, a veteran of 73 Tests, faces a minimum six-month recovery period, marking another heartbreaking setback in a career frequently interrupted by injury.
The Road to Recovery: Hip Surgery Confirmed
De Jager’s club, the Saitama Wild Knights, confirmed this week that the towering lock required surgical intervention to address a persistent hip injury. With the recovery timeline stretching into the second half of the year, De Jager is in a race against time to feature in the 2026 Rugby Championship.
Impact on the Springbok Engine Room: While De Jager’s experience and lineout prowess will be missed, coach Rassie Erasmus still has significant depth at No. 5. Expect the following players to step up:
- Franco Mostert: The tireless workhorse remains a primary option.
- RG Snyman: The “Viking” provides X-factor off the bench or as a starter.
- Ruan Nortje: After a stellar 2025, the Bulls captain is poised for a starting role.
Springbok 2026 Fixture List: The Road Ahead
The Boks kick off their campaign in July with a high-stakes “Homecoming” series against Northern Hemisphere opposition before a historic four-match series against the All Blacks.
Incoming Series (July)
- July 4: vs England | Ellis Park, Johannesburg
- July 11: vs Scotland | Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
- July 18: vs Wales | Kings Park, Durban
The Rugby Championship & Freedom Cup
- Aug 22: vs New Zealand | Ellis Park, Johannesburg
- Aug 29: vs New Zealand | DHL Stadium, Cape Town
- Sept 5: vs New Zealand | FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
- Sept 12: vs New Zealand | Venue TBC
End-of-Year Tour (November)
- Nov 6-8: vs Italy | Venue TBC
- Nov 13-15: vs France | Venue TBC
- Nov 21: vs Ireland | Venue TBC
