Justin Forwood injured for 9 months

The Southern Kings will be with out the services of in-form prop Justin Forwood. Forwood picked up a knee injury during the Kings 44-3 victory over the Melbourne Rebels

Team doctor, Konrad von Hagen, confirmed on Tuesday that Forwood would be out of action for up to nine months following an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear which will require surgery. The prop will undergo surgery in Pretoria.

“It is really sad news that Justin Forwood tore his ACL and will be out for nine months. The next step for him will be surgery which he will undergo in Pretoria. We will then continue to monitor his progress,” the team doctor said.

Other injuries following the match sees Lionel Cronje facing a race against time to fit to face the Sharks on May 13, following a head knock that saw him unable to finish the match.

After the break, the Southern Kings will welcome back loose-forward Ruaan Lerm, who was withdrawn from the team last Thursday with an ankle sprain.

“Ruaan Lerm felt some discomfort and was rested. He will be back and fit for our next match,” confirmed Dr Von Hagen.

CJ Velleman is making a return from a long-term knee injury and will be re-assessed next week before being made available to play. The loose-forward will join the rest of the Southern Kings squad for full contact next week.

Malcolm Jaer sustained a Medial Collateral Ligament (knee) strain on tour in Australia, continues to respond well to treatment and is expected to make a full recovery in two weeks.

The team doctor is also happy with the progress being made by players on the long-term injury list – Cameron Lindsay (knee), Rudi van Rooyen (ankle) and Schalk Ferreira (biceps).