Lood de Jager Undergoes Hip Surgery, Out for Wild Knights Season

Overview

• Japan’s Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights confirmed the Springbok lock had hip surgery and will miss the rest of their League One campaign.
• Lood de Jager said the injury occurred on international duty with South Africa and that he will complete his rehabilitation in South Africa.
• No specific return date was given, with typical hip surgery rehab reported as six to 12 months.
• That timeframe threatens his availability for South Africa’s mid-year Tests and the four-Test series against the All Blacks.
• The setback follows a disrupted 2025 that included injuries and a four-match ban after a red card for a high tackle on Thomas Ramos.