Louw out for remainder of 2025
03/06/2025 11:30 PM
Elrigh Louw eyes a 2026 return to action as the Springbok bruiser recovers from a gruesome knee injury that will rule him out of a blockbuster Test season, reports DYLAN JOHNSON.
The 13-Test loose forward tore ligaments in his left knee during the Vodacom Bulls’ 35-22 URC win against the Lions at Ellis Park in January, and had to wait weeks before the swelling had subsided sufficiently for him to go under the knife.
Despite the painful ordeal that he revealed is a season-ending injury, Louw’s focus is zeroed in on returning to duty in January next year to ensure he’s back to full speed in time for the next Bok campaign.
“I’m waiting for the specialist to give me the go-ahead so I can start my rehab,” Louw told SA Rugby magazine in an exclusive interview opportunity presented by PUMA. “The specialist said it’s about a year-long recovery but it’s an outcome-based plan, so if I’m feeling better in 11 months or even nine months, then I’ll be ready to go.
“I would like to be back as soon as possible but realistically, I’m targeting January or February next year. I think that’s a good goal for me, to be able to play a few games before the Springbok Tests begin in 2026.”
Louw shared the details of his progress, post-operation, as the 25-year-old spent nearly four weeks in bed following the injury.
“I had to wait three weeks for the swelling to go down before I could get the operation. After the surgery, for the next week I was stuck in bed. Luckily I’m no longer bed-bound and I can stand up. I can’t put any pressure on my leg, and I can’t bend it.
“A milestone for me is being without pain. I can move freely on crutches now and drive around, so I’m not stuck at home.”
The 2025 Springbok season kicks off in July with two Tests against Italy and a match against Georgia in the Republic, while a sumptuous Rugby Championship double-header against the All Blacks in New Zealand awaits the Boks in September.
Louw, who featured in 10 Tests last year, is disappointed to miss the opportunity to build on that momentum, and has warned his teammates against overlooking the threat posed by the Italians.
When asked to pinpoint what he believes to be the match that deserves top billing, the back-row powerhouse is most excited by the Boks’ rematch against France in a stacked November international tour.
“I don’t think we should take Italy lightly,” said Louw. “I know it’s at home for us and they are travelling here, but their performances have been really impressive recently.
“The game I’m really looking forward to is when we play France at the end of the year in the November tour.”
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
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