Back-row powerhouse Jasper Wiese says he’s on track to return from injury in time for the start of the Springboks’ 2025 season.
“Hopefully I’ll be ready by mid-June if everything goes well,” the World Cup-winning No 8 told Sunday news outlet Rapport.
The 29-year-old suffered a neck injury that cut short his season with Japanese club Urayasu D-Rocks and initially raised concerns about his availability for the Boks’ opening fixtures.
MORE: BJ blow for Boks as Stormers feel his loss
The world champions face Italy at Loftus Versfeld on 5 July and again in Gqeberha on 12 July, before meeting Georgia in Mbombela on 19 July.
His potential return represents a significant boost for Rassie Erasmus, particularly with Elrigh Louw sidelined until 2026 with a serious leg injury. Wiese has worn the No 8 jersey in 24 of his 34 Tests since debuting against Georgia in July 2021.
Bok skipper Siya Kolisi, along with Vodacom Bulls star Cameron Hanekom and Stormers bruiser Evan Roos, are alternative options at the back of the scrum for Erasmus.
Photo: Anton Geyser/Anton Geyser Media
