Springbok lock Ruan Nortje has had his promising first full season in international rugby cut short by a leg injury that has ruled him out of Sunday’s test match against Scotland in Edinburgh.
According to a press release issued by the Boks, the Vodacom Bulls lock suffered the injury in training on Wednesday - a day after he told the media how much he was loving being a Bok and living his dream. Nortje had only one international cap, that earned as a replacement in 2022, before this season, but he has been a fixture at No 5 for the Boks this season ever since he made his first international start in the first Castle Lager Rugby Championship game against Australia.
Fortunately for coach Rassie Erasmus and the Boks, Nortje’s injury comes at a time when two stalwarts and double World Cup winners, RG Snyman and Franco Mostert, are back in the second row selection mix after recovering from their own injuries that kept them from playing in the Championship.
The Boks do of course have a lot of depth in the position, as was noted by Nortje when he said he is treating every game he plays in the green and gold as potentially his last. Salmaan Moerat, who has captained the team this season, is another player currently sidelined because of injury, but Nortje’s departure has left a gap for Munster strongman Jean Kleyn.
𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Jean Kleyn will join the Springboks in Edinburgh as a replacement for Ruan Nortje, who suffered a leg injury at training yesterday and has been ruled out of the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour.#AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/RO1YoO6On0
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) November 7, 2024
The former Stormers player hasn’t played for the Boks since earning his seventh Bok cap by coming off the bench in the World Cup final win against New Zealand. He was not considered for the series against Ireland the Rugby Championship due to a lengthy absence from the playing field due to an eye injury.
The 31-year-old has though been in good form for Munster in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship since returning to the playing field and for Erasmus calling him up would have been an easy decision to make.
“It’s sad to lose Ruan to injury, as he’s had a fantastic season and really made a strong statement after injuries initially prompted his call-up to the squad,” said Erasmus.
“He certainly grabbed the opportunity presented to him with both hands, and we wish him luck with his recovery. Ruan’s injury opens the door for Jean to make a return to the national squad for the first time this season, and judging by his performances for Munster since making a comeback to the URC combined with his familiarity of our structures and being a regular in our team last season, we are excited to welcome him back.
“He’s also played with most of the players in the squad and is familiar with the conditions in the UK as he’s based in Ireland, so he should slot in with ease,” added the Bok coach.
Apart from his seven games for the Boks, Kleyn has also represented Ireland on five occasions, so his allround experience of international rugby is 12 games.
The Bok team for the Scotland game was initially going to be announced on Thursday but will now be announced on Friday afternoon.