Springboks call up Celimpilo Gumede amid Cheslin Kolbe injury uncertainty

Kolbe, who was named among 35 players for the Boks' first training camp of the year, will undergo a medical examination for a knee niggle.

He joined his teammates in Pretoria on Sunday evening but was released on Monday to examine the extent of niggle which he picked up during his regular Japanese club season.

Gumede joined the squad on Monday and immediately got stuck into the action at the team's afternoon training session.

The Bulls - who will face Leinster in their United Rugby Championship semi-final at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday - agreed to release the uncapped Gumede, who attended the last Springbok alignment camp, to join the training squad. The group now includes 20 forwards and 15 backline players.

"Celimpilo has been playing impressive rugby this season and we are excited to see how he integrates into the squad and what he has to offer at training," said Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus.

"We would like to extend our gratitude to the Vodacom Bulls for allowing him to join us at short notice, especially at such an important point of their Vodacom URC season."

The Springboks will conclude the first week of their training camp on Friday and will re-assemble on Sunday. The team that will face Wales in the opening Test of the season at Twickenham will be named next week Tuesday, with the squad set to depart for London a day later, next Wednesday evening.

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