Both SA Rugby and the Springbok management on Tuesday dismissed newspaper reports that Blue Bulls scrumhalf Fourie du Preez sustained an injury during the recent Springboks’ fitness testing in Bloemfontein.
The entire group of contracted Springboks attended the two-day medical evaluation and fitness testing.
Andy Marinos, manager of national teams at SA Rugby, said reports that Du Preez sustained an injury while participating in a fitness test, were incorrect.
”Every player underwent a comprehensive medical assessment on Sunday. Of the whole group of players assembled, only a number of players were cleared to undergo the full fitness test the following day. Fourie was one of the players who, on medical advice, did not participate in any sort of fitness testing on Monday.
”We care greatly about the welfare of all our players and as such will not look to test any player that has not been passed fit by the pre-testing medical assessment. So any report which suggests that Fourie sustained an injury during testing is unfounded and simply not true,” said Marinos.
The medical and conditioning staff are already busy with a comprehensive report, which they will present to Springbok head coach Jake White when he returns to the office on Monday. – Sapa