Warren Whiteley may return in December

Springbok & Lions captain Warren Whiteley should be back in competitive action by December according to Lions team doctor Rob Collins.

Whiteley has been injured since June, but Collins says he can start jogging over the next few weeks.

Collins told Netwerk24 that Whiteley may feature for his Japanese club in early or mid-December.

“There is, however, no chance that he’ll be able to form part of the Springbok’s year-end tour to Europe,” Collins said.

“It’s now only a nerve affecting the muscles that need to be sorted out. But that nerve is starting to heal nicely and he should be ready to play in less than two months.”

Whiteley plays for Japanese club NTT Docomo-Red Hurricanes during the South African off-season and will resume playing for the Lions in Super Rugby.

Lock Eben Etzebeth will lead the Springboks on their year-end tour to Europe with Whiteley out of international action for the time being.