Kurt-Lee Arendse says he’s thrilled to be back in green and gold and linking up again with Cheslin Kolbe.
Arendse missed most of the Springboks’ Rugby Championship campaign after suffering a hamstring injury in the defeat to Australia at Ellis Park, but the 29-year-old is buzzing to make his comeback alongside Kolbe – this time with the double World Cup winner wearing the No 15 jersey.
“I’m really excited to be back,” Arendse said. “It’s not Cheslin’s first time playing at fullback – I think he played there against Ireland in 2022. But ja, looking forward to playing with him. I think he’s one of the best players and I’m really excited to get on the field again with him.”
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After spending much of the past few months in rehab, Arendse admits the break from rugby gave him a rare chance to slow down.
“Injuries happen and are part of the game,” he said. “I actually enjoyed it a bit because I could do a few things around the house and sometimes I think it’s good just to take a bit of a break from rugby.
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“I’m also happy for the guys who got their chances, but obviously you want to be part of the group and its successes. For me, it was a good breakaway but I’m also happy to be back again.”
Arendse’s return adds even more firepower to a Springbok backline that already features Kolbe, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Ethan Hooker.
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Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
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