Lood looks back on career as 50th cap approaches

Saturday will mark a significant milestone in the career of Lood de Jager as the giant second row will win his 50th cap in the colours of his country. 

It has not been the smoothest of roads for de Jager who has had more than his fair share of misfortune with regard to injury, but the 28 year old has always shown great strength and determination by rising up again after every knock-down. 

"Obviously I have had a few more injuries than the normal guy,” he told reporters. 

“But that is just part of my journey. You suffer those setbacks and then you come back stronger. Every injury, as bad and disappointing as it is, is just part of your journey and you must see it like that." 

After a long spell on the sidelines through shoulder injury, de Jager was able to play a part in the Springboks’ victory over the British & Irish Lions, but slotting back in was not easy. 

 "Match fitness is hard to get when you are not a naturally fit guy. I am not the best in training, and nothing comes close to match intensity and what you need in a game," he said. 

"None of us really had the preparation ahead of the Lions series we would have liked. I also got COVID. With no pre-season to get properly up to speed it is difficult to get match fit.” 

De Jager has a philosophical take on his career thus far: 

”I have been fortunate to experience some real highs of Springbok rugby but unfortunately there have been some real lows that I have been part of too. But I believe everything happens for a reason.”