Johannesburg – The Springbok medical team and their Western Province counterparts will help ensure Jean de Villiers makes a successful comeback to the playing field in time for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
The Bok captain will continue his rehabilitation following the serious knee injury he suffered against Wales in November.
Springbok team doctor Craig Roberts is in charge of the rehabilitation.
De Villiers will continue daily work with Springbok physiotherapist Rene Naylor, while Western Province team doctor Jason Suter will handle his medical rehabilitation.
The orthopaedic surgeon, who operated on the Bok captain’s knee last month, will be consulted on a regular basis.
“It’s great to know we’re all pulling in the same direction as this is obviously a very important matter,” Roberts said in a statement on Monday.
“Luckily Jean is very positive about his rehabilitation and he’s already working incredibly hard to ensure everything remains on track for him to make it to the World Cup.
“Obviously it’s still too early in the process to confirm he will be ready for the tournament, but we’re taking it week by week and will be doing everything we can to get him to England.”
De Villiers said he was determined to be fit and ready for the Rugby World Cup, which starts for the Springboks against Japan in Brighton on September 19.
“I’ve started swimming and doing some exercises on a static bicycle,” De Villiers said.
“At the moment we’re still testing to see how the knee reacts to different movements and it’s looking good.
“It’s also great that we can count on the medical expertise of so many people and I’m grateful to everyone involved.” – Sapa