Kurt-Lee Arendse undergoes emergency surgery after head clash

The World Cup winner was contesting for a loose ball in open play when there was accidental head contact during the Bulls' win over Benetton in their United Rugby Championship quarterfinal.

Arendse went down immediately and was escorted off the field for a Head Impact Assessment, from which he didn't return.

Speaking to the media after the match, Bulls boss Jake White revealed that the 27-year-old is set to go under the knife.

"He's going for the operation tomorrow [Sunday]," said White.

"It looks like he's fractured his cheekbone. They'll put a plate in. I'll try to get him in as quickly as I can. Not to get him ready for the next two weeks, obviously, but to get him ready for the Tests.

"Credit to our medical staff who found a doctor who will do him early tomorrow [Sunday] morning."

White went on to compare the injury to that of French superstar Antoine Dupont during the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The nuggety scrumhalf had surgery on a fractured cheekbone and played in the quarterfinal against South Africa just 23 days later.

Arendse joins Bok teammates Canan Moodie and Damian Willemse on the sidelines as the pair are recovering from respective finger surgeries.

The World Champion Springboks get their season underway against Wales on 22 June, followed by a highly anticipated incoming Ireland tour.

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