Gumede joins Bok training squad as Kolbe undergoes medical tests

Download logoCelimpilo Gumede (loose forward) received his first Springbok call-up on Monday and immediately got stuck into the action at the teams afternoon training session in Pretoria following the release of double Rugby World Cup-winning wing Cheslin Kolbe, who will undergo a medical examination for a knee niggle.Kolbe, who was named among 35 players for the Boks first training camp of the year, joined his team-mates in the countrys capital city on Sunday evening, but he was released on Monday to examine the extent of niggle which he picked up during his regular Japanese club season.The Vodacom Bullswho will face Leinster in their Vodacom United Rugby Championship semi-final at Loftus Versfeld on Saturdayagreed 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 in 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.Issued by SA Rugby CommunicationsDistributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Rugby.For further information, please contact:Andy ColquhounGM: Communications and Commercial+27 (0) 21 928 7010+27 (0) 82 926 0789andyc@sarugby.co.zaDe Jongh BorchardtCommunications Manager+27 (0) 21 928 7021+27 (0) 82 999 9979dejonghb@sarugby.co.zaRayaan AdriaanseJunior Rugby Media Manager+27 (0) 21 928 7013+27 (0) 82 999 0022rayaan@sarugby.co.zaSindiswa XimbaMedia Operations Coordinator+27 (0) 21 928 7011+27 (0) 60 504 1069sindiswa.ximba@sarugby.co.zaZeena IsaacsSpringbok Media Manager+27 (0) 21 928 7020+27 (0) 82 357 3112ZeenaI@sarugby.co.zaJJ HarmseSevens and Women's Rugby Media Manager+27 (0) 21 928 7014+27 (0) 71 480 4570jjharmse@sarugby.co.za
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