Bulls loose forward Celimpilo Gumede joins Springboks at camp
The uncapped Gumede joined the 35-player group for their first training session in Pretoria on Monday, where the World Champions are preparing to face Wales in their opening test match of the year next week.
JOHANNESBURG - Bulls loose forward Celimpilo Gumede has been called up to the Springbok squad ahead of the start of the international season.
The uncapped Gumede joined the 35-player group for their first training session in Pretoria on Monday, where the World Champions are preparing to face Wales in their opening test match of the year next week.
There was a hiccup in the camp, however, as double World Cup-winning wing Cheslin Kolbe was released from the squad due to a knee issue and will undergo scans to determine the extent of the injury and how long it will keep him out of action.
This means that the Bok group now features 20 forwards and 15 backline players.
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus thanked the Bulls for releasing Gumede while they prepare for their United Rugby Championship semi-final against Leinster on Saturday and said he was eager to see what the value Gumede would add to the group.
“Celimpilo has been playing impressive rugby this season and we are excited to see how he integrates in the squad and what he has to offer at training,” Erasmus said.
The Springboks will wrap up their training camp on Friday and re-assemble on Sunday before their departure for London where they’ll play the Welsh.
The team that will face Wales in the opening test of the season on 22 June at Twickenham, will be named next week Tuesday.