A Bulls star has been drafted into the Springbok camp following the abrupt withdrawal of Cheslin Kolbe from the squad.
Celimpilo Gumede received his first Springbok call-up on Monday after double Rugby World Cup-winning wing Cheslin Kolbe was released for a medical examination due to a knee niggle.
Kolbe, who was named among the 35 players for the Springboks’ first training camp of the year, joined his teammates in the country’s capital city on Sunday evening but was released on Monday to assess the extent of the injury he picked up during his regular Japanese club season.
Bulls Allow Star Loose Forward to Join Bok Camp
The Vodacom Bulls, who will face Leinster in their Vodacom United Rugby Championship semi-final at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, agreed to release the uncapped Gumede to join the training squad. Gumede had attended the last Springbok alignment camp and now joins a group that includes 20 forwards and 15 backline players.
“Celimpilo has been playing impressive rugby this season and we are excited to see how he integrates into the squad and what he has to offer at training,” said Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus.
“We would like to extend our gratitude to the Vodacom Bulls for allowing him to join us at short notice, especially at such an important point in their Vodacom URC season.”
The Springboks will conclude the first week of their training camp on Friday and will reassemble on Sunday. The team that will face Wales in the opening Test of the season at Twickenham will be named next Tuesday, with the squad set to depart for London the following Wednesday evening.
