VIDEO: Lions flyhalf and 12 others heading home

12/03/2024 09:11 AM

INJURY UPDATE: The Lions will have a new flyhalf when they face Ospreys in a Challenge Cup Round One Challenge Cup encounter in Swansea on Sunday.

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Flyhalf Kade Wolhuter, who was replaced early in the second half of the 10-17 United Rugby Championship loss to Munster in Limerick last weekend, has already returned home.

"We have sent a couple of guys home, and he is one of them," scrum coach Julian Redelinghuys said.

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The retired Springbok front row forward said Wolhuter suffered a concussion and has been ruled out of the start of the European campaign.

He added that a "good number of players" - 12 in all - returned to South Africa to start preparing for the Round Two face-off with French outfit Section Paloise at Ellis Park on December 14.

"We play on Sunday [against Ospreys]," he said, adding: "It is a short turnaround [six days between matches], with the travelling, so it is a good idea to start preparing for the home games.

"We are excited to see some of the guys in the wider squad getting opportunities [against Ospreys].

"It is a big 'squad week' and we are looking forward to seeing what the guys will produce."

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Wolhuter, although not long-term, joins a substantial injury list that includes Springbok Ruan Venter, hooker Morné Brandon and lock Siba Qoma.

"We have been fortunate that we did not get any big injuries," he said of the heartbreaking loss to the Irish province, Munster.

After Round One of their European campaign, the Lions face Section Paloise at Ellis Park, before the South African URC derby against the Stormers in Cape Town (December 21).

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