Kwagga Smith japan
CARDIFF, WALES - NOVEMBER 06: Kwagga Smith of South Africa in action against Nick Tompkins of Wales during the Autumn Nations Series match between Wales and South Africa at Principality Stadium on November 06, 2021 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Home » Kwagga Smith likely to miss first Tests of 2024

Kwagga Smith likely to miss first Tests of 2024

The Springboks are facing a lengthy injury list at the start of the year, with Kwagga Smith also suffering a serious setback.

26-01-24 11:13
Kwagga Smith japan
CARDIFF, WALES - NOVEMBER 06: Kwagga Smith of South Africa in action against Nick Tompkins of Wales during the Autumn Nations Series match between Wales and South Africa at Principality Stadium on November 06, 2021 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

As reported by TheSouthAfrican, there are already six World Cup winning Springboks recovering from serious injury, with Faf de Klerk and Jesse Kriel the latest to confirm they have undergone surgical procedures. The Boks may now also be without Kwagga Smith for the July Test series after the loose forward suffered a tendon injury while playing in Japan.

ALSO READ: Six Springbok World Cup stars recovering from serious injury

KWAGGA SMITH LIKELY TO MISS FIRST TEST OF 2024

Smith is set to be out for the next five months, and it remains to be seen whether he will recover in time for the July Tests against Ireland and Portugal in July.

Several players are still recovering from injuries suffered during the World Cup last year, while in the latest news, Smith, Kriel and De Klerk all now face lengthy spells out of action due to injuries picked up in Japan.

ALSO READ: Why South African rugby is the absolute best in the world

THE SPRINGBOKS’ HOME TEST SCHEDULE FOR 2024 IS:

Saturday, 6 July: SA vs. Ireland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
Saturday, 13 July: SA vs. Ireland (Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban)
Saturday, 20 July: SA vs. Portugal (venue TBC)
Saturday, 31 August: SA vs. New Zealand (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)
Saturday, 7 September: SA vs. New Zealand (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)
Saturday, 28 September: SA vs. Argentina (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit)

Meanwhile, the Springboks’ away Test schedule includes two matches against the Wallabies in Australia in August, and an away match against Argentina in the Rugby Championship in September, as well as engagements in Europe in November 2024.

ICYMI: Springboks star Steven Kitshoff names his two rugby heroes

ALSO READ: End of an era — FOUR Springboks legends set to retire in 2023?

SO WHEN WILL TICKETS GO ON SALE FOR THE BOKS’ MATCHES?

Ticket sales for the Tests will open early this year from the service provider of the hosting union, with details in this regard still to be confirmed.

ALSO READ: Five best rugby players in the world: We pick two Boks!