Lood de Jager revealed that he still has not got the go-ahead to continue playing rugby due to the heart condition that ruled him out of the World Cup.
De Jager was a shock omission from South Africa’s 33-player squad for the World Cup, after a “chest issue” forced him to miss the warm-up against Argentina in Buenos Aires.
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It was later revealed that the lock was diagnosed with pericarditis a day before the squad was announced, which has kept him sidelined ever since.
Speaking to Sunday newspaper Rapport for the first time about his heart issue, De Jager said that he has not been cleared to resume playing and can only do daily light exercise.
“I got the green light to play golf about two weeks ago. It’s nice,” he told Rapport. “I am also now in a place where I can walk or jog for 30 minutes a day, as long as I keep my heart rate within a certain limit. It may not be higher than 120.”
“It’s a very big disappointment. On the other hand, it can be a life-threatening thing. I’m just thankful we did pick it up and I didn’t keep practicing or playing with it. It could cause great damage.”
De Jager confirmed that he will undergo scans again in mid-October and hope to be given the green light to start training.
It’s a slow process, but it’s better to be careful. I’m just a Bok supporter now.”
Photo: Steve Haag/PA Wire