Toyota Free State Cheetahs centre Robert Ebersohn has been called up to the Springbok squad currently preparing for the Castle Lager Incoming Series in Durban.

Ebersohn’s inclusion follows uncertainty over the availability of midfielders Jean de Villiers (mild hamstring strain) and JJ Engelbrecht (quad contusion), while Juan de Jongh has already been ruled out of Saturday’s Test against Italy because of a finger injury.

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“I’m really happy for Robert and his call-up is well-deserved,” said Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer.

“He’s really playing great rugby for the Cheetahs at the moment and was involved in both of our training camps this season, but in the end just missed out on selection to the final squad.”

Ebersohn will join the Springbok squad in Durban on Tuesday morning. As his inclusion is only precautionary, he will only remain with the squad as long as any of the other midfielders remain injured.

Other Springbok injury worries are as follows:

Six players in the Springbok squad took little or no part in training at Northwood School in Durban on Monday because of various injury niggles.

Juan de Jongh (centre) is not available for selection in the opening Test in the Castle Lager Incoming Series against Italy at Growthpoint Kings Park due to a finger fracture he sustained a few weeks ago.

“We always knew Juan was going to be touch and go this week and we took the decision today that he would not be considered for the Test against Italy, but we’re hoping to have him back next week in Nelspruit,” said Springbok team doctor Craig Roberts.

Springbok captain Jean de Villiers (centre) did not train at all on Monday and is nursing a mild hamstring strain. A decision on his availability will be taken later in the week.

JJ Engelbrecht (centre) picked up a contusion to his quad on Saturday and also sat out training, while Francois Louw (loose forward, quad strain) and Pierre Spies (No 8, groin) didn’t participate in the full field sessions on Monday.

“Francois is in the final phase of his rehab and we’re happy with his progress, but we will have another look at him on Tuesday. Pierre’s non-participation in the afternoon session was purely precautionary,” said Roberts.

The final player who did not take part in the full session on Monday was lock Pieter-Steph du Toit, who has been struggling for a couple of weeks with a sternum injury.

“We’re in the process of reviewing his scans and at this stage we’ve decided to keep him out of contact,” said Roberts.