Springbok lock Lood de Jager has opened up about his terrifying experience of feeling like he was ‘suffocating’ due to a career-threatening health issue.
De Jager, a 2019 World Cup champion with the Springboks, was anticipated to play a significant role in the last World Cup. However, just before the tournament, SA Rugby announced he would be sidelined due to an undisclosed ‘illness.’
Later, it was revealed by doctors that de Jager was battling pericarditis, a heart condition that can develop from exercising while ill.
During his recovery, de Jager was initially restricted from even walking briskly but was eventually cleared by a heart specialist to return to rugby.
Now back in action, de Jager recounted to RugbyPass the alarming moment he realized something was wrong during a Springbok training session.
“Five minutes into training, it felt like someone was sitting on my chest. I couldn’t breathe. I was almost suffocating, with just pressure on my chest and shortness of breath. It was a very strange feeling. I left the field and told the doctor something was off… By Tuesday morning, I felt terrible. I just stayed in my hotel room until we flew back.
“A huge thanks to the Springboks’ medical team,” he continued. “The issue was initially misdiagnosed in Argentina, where I first underwent scans. The problem wasn’t detected because I didn’t have an MRI. Our team doctor insisted on double-checking upon our return to South Africa, and that’s when they diagnosed the pericarditis. I’m very grateful. It could have ended very badly.”
LOOD DE JAGER BACK IN ACTION
The 30-year-old Springbok has rejoined his Japanese club, Wild Knights, post-World Cup and has resumed playing without any issues.
He aims to be considered again for the Springboks’ lineup when they resume play in June.
