Family time got Lood de Jager in the right mindset during injury to play for Springboks again

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus mentioned that the silver lining to Lood de Jager’s spate of injuries before and during the 2023 Rugby World Cup period is that his body has had some much-needed rest.

But while that may be true, the big lock says he would rather have played, as every minute in the green and gold is precious and a massive privilege.

De Jager ran out for the Springboks for the first time in almost two years in their opening game of the international season against the Barbarians at the end of June, after missing the 2023 World Cup squad due to a heart condition.

He returned to action with Japan’s Panasonic Wild Knights in 2024, where he played some good rugby, but later suffered a serious rotator-cuff shoulder injury toward the end of the season, which required surgery.

And yet, it was as if he never left. De Jager climbed into the Barbarians with strong carries and a few big hits on defence. He also marshalled the Bok line-out well and stole plenty of the Baabaas’ ball.

At 32, De Jager is simply glad to be fit. No athlete enjoys watching the game and the team they love from the sidelines, and he certainly doesn’t take his return to the Bok fold for granted.

“I wouldn't say a second chance, but you don't know what you've got till it's gone?” said De Jager.

“Being involved with the Boks for so many years and then missing the last few years with injuries … it's just great to be back, especially with the boys.”

Since De Jager has been back, he’s seen fellow 2019 World Cup winner Steven Kitshoff suffer a career-ending neck injury, while a cloud still hangs over veteran tighthead prop Frans Malherbe’s future in the Bok jersey after a back injury in April.

“I know it's a cliché, but every single game, you never know when it's your last Test,” he added.

“You want to make every moment count. You want to make every opportunity count because you never know.

“It's a strange game. Anything can happen and you can miss extended periods of time — or maybe your career could end.

“You've seen it happen with guys like Kitsi and Fransl. If you speak to those guys, they would give anything to have another opportunity to play.

“That's how I felt over the last two years, and all I'm trying to do is go out on the field and give it everything I have.”

De Jager says the support of his family and close circle of teammates and friends helped him through the difficult time on the sidelines.

He also had to be patient — resisting the temptation to push his body too hard in a bid to return before he was ready.

“You've got to have a good support structure around you,” he said.

“I've got a wife and three kids, and they kept me going.

“My rehab process was always just taking it day by day, seeing what we get. And if we get another opportunity, it would be great.

“There are people — you know, rugby is really important, especially in this country — and we give everything we have to put out good performances.

“But the enjoyable part of the rehab for me, away from rugby, was spending some good quality time with the family. Their support got me through it.”

“That's what actually gets you in the right mindset again — and I’m hungry to be back.”