- The Springboks will be without a key attacking weapon for their end-of-year tour, with his recovery timeline now clearer
- Rassie Erasmus will have to consider alternative wing options ahead of a demanding run of November internationals
- A return date has emerged, offering the injured star a target as South Africa prepare for their European Tests
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The Springboks will head into their November Tests without Cheslin Kolbe, who is recovering from a broken jaw and is not expected to return to action until December. The setback comes as South Africa prepare for a challenging end-of-year tour featuring Italy, France and Ireland.
Stormers director of rugby John Dobson confirmed the winger's recovery timeline on Thursday, 22 October 2026. His update means the Springboks will have to plan for their opening November fixtures without one of their most dangerous attacking players.
Cheslin Kolbe's injury rules him out of Springboks tour
Speaking about Kolbe's progress, Dobson confirmed the 32-year-old won't be available for the national team tour.
“He’s not going to make the Springbok tour, but he’s available for us from the start of December,” Dobson said.
He added that Kolbe remained involved with the Stormers despite being unable to play.
“He’s attending team meetings, he’s so involved, we can’t wait to have him,” Dobson explained.
The director of rugby also acknowledged the impact of the absence, saying the Springboks would miss the winger during their end-of-year campaign.
Kolbe's recovery period has included time away from the physical demands of competitive rugby as he works towards his return.
Springboks have wing options for November Tests
Kolbe's absence leaves head coach Rassie Erasmus with several alternatives on the wing. Ethan Hooker, Canan Moodie and Edwill van der Merwe are among the players who could fill the gap.
The Springboks begin their November campaign against Italy in Turin on 7 November, before travelling to Paris to face France on 13 November. They will then meet Ireland in Dublin on 21 November.
The tour forms part of the Nations Championship, with another match scheduled for the competition's finals weekend.
Kolbe's return offers the Stormers a boost
Kolbe suffered his jaw injury during South Africa's 29-24 victory over the All Blacks in Soweto on 5 September 2026.
His expected December return gives the Stormers a boost as they prepare for their United Rugby Championship fixtures. For the Springboks, however, attention now turns to finding the right combination for a demanding November schedule.
Ireland recall 3 key players ahead of Springboks showdown
Briefly News previously reported that Ireland coach Andy Farrell had named a 36-man squad for the November internationals, with Mack Hansen, Ryan Baird and Andrew Porter returning after injury setbacks.
Ireland will host the Springboks in Dublin on 21 November 2026, adding another challenge to South Africa’s demanding end-of-year tour. However, Ireland will also be without several regular players, including captain Caelan Doris, as Farrell prepares his team for the showdown.
Source: Briefly News