Springboks forced to make prop change on European Tour

Zuko Komisa

Springbok prop Ox Nché has been ruled out of the rest of the five-match European tour after suffering knee and ankle injuries in the win against Japan.
Nché has been replaced by fellow front-rower Asenathi Ntlabakanye.
Ntlabakanye’s call-up is overshadowed by the fact that he is currently awaiting a hearing on an alleged doping violation, as confirmed by SA Rugby.

The Springboks have been dealt a blow on their five-match European tour with the premature exit of influential loosehead prop Ox Nché.

The powerful front-rower has flown back to South Africa for immediate assessment after sustaining an injury during the side’s commanding 61-7 victory over Japan at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

Nché, 30, was hurt early in the game, twisting both his knee and ankle.

He was seen on crutches following the match, and SA Rugby confirmed on Sunday that he would play no further part in the remainder of the tour.

Nché has been replaced by fellow prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye.

SA Rugby simultaneously announced that the replacement player is currently awaiting a hearing regarding an alleged doping violation.

The details surrounding the alleged violation have not been released, adding a layer of uncertainty to the team’s composition as they continue their northern hemisphere campaign.

Nché’s loss is a significant setback for the reigning world champions as they look to build momentum through Europe.