Springbok star Elrigh Louw facing year-long recovery

By SABC Sport
7th March 2025

Springbok Elrigh Louw detailed the impact of his horrific injury and how he hopes to return to the playing field in early 2026.

Bulls forward Louw admits that a return to action in 2025 is highly unlikely and

The 25-year-old damaged ligaments in his left knee and also broke his leg in the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Lions in late-January.

There were concerns that it would be career-ending for the back-rower, who featured 10 times for South Africa in 2024, but thankfully the surgery he had was a success.

Louw has therefore set a target of the start of 2026 to be back playing where he will hope to push his case for international recognition once again.

He may not feature for Rassie Erasmus' men in 2025 but the versatile loose forward still has time to put himself in the frame for the next Rugby World Cup in Australia.

"I'm waiting for the specialist to give me the go-ahead so I can start my rehab. The specialist said it's about a year-long recovery but it's an outcome-based plan," he told SA Rugby Magazine.

"If I'm feeling better in 11 months or even nine months then I'll be ready to go.

"I would like to be back as soon as possible but realistically I'm targeting January or February next year. I think that's a good goal for me, to be able to play a few games before the Springbok Tests begin in 2026."

It has been a traumatic time for Louw with the injury impacting the 25-year-old's daily life and not just his rugby career.

The Bulls and Springboks back-rower gave details of his struggles and it appears as though there is still a way to go before he can get the leg working properly.

"I had to wait three weeks for the swelling to go down before I could get the operation. After the surgery, for the next week I was stuck in bed," Louw said.

"Luckily I'm no longer bedbound and I can stand up. I can't put any pressure on my leg, and I can't bend it.

"A milestone for me is being without pain. I can move freely on crutches now and drive around, so I'm not stuck at home."

Louw made his Test debut in 2022, featuring three times for the Boks, but it was in 2024 when he enjoyed a breakout year for South Africa, earning 10 caps.

Four of those were starts, including two in the Autumn Nations Series, but he became a key member of the famed Bomb Squad in the Rugby Championship as they won the title for the first time since 2019.