The DHL Stormers will contest the 2022-23 Vodacom URC final further motivated by the cloud of concern hanging over the future of Seabelo Senatla’s rugby career.
The Stormers host Munster on 27 May for a second successive URC final in Cape Town, but their fan-favourite finisher will play no part in the decider at DHL Stadium.
Senatla was part of the Stormers team that won the inaugural URC title, and he started nine matches in all competitions this season.
Yet, the 30-year-old has not featured since the last round of the league phase after he suffered serious injuries in a car accident on 4 May.
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Head coach John Dobson told media that Senatla was “in no shape to play rugby”, and in an interview with Sport24 on Thursday, the Stormers boss painted a grim outlook on the former Blitzbok speedster’s return.
“There’s no chance he’ll play in the final,” Dobson said. “He’s got an arm injury that has nerve damage and it is very serious.
“You cannot be certain when he will play again.
“There have been several operations already and it will have long-term consequences. The next two ops will probably be decisive in determining any return to rugby.
“But we are standing by Seabelo … he is a very popular and special member of the team. It’s been a traumatic blow to us.”
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