Springbok Sevens forward Chris Dry will miss the last two rounds of the HSBC Sevens World Series in Glasgow and London as a result of the back injury he sustained in Hong Kong, the South African Rugby Union confirmed on Wednesday.
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Dry made a landmark 35th World Series tournament appearance in Hong Kong where the South Africans won the Plate Final and his injury will come as a blow for the South Africans.
The Blitzboks have appeared in five World Series Cup Finals so far this season, winning titles in Port Elizabeth and Las Vegas respectively.
With just two events remaining in Glasgow (3-4 May) and London (10-11 May) before the curtain falls on a drama-filled season, they are currently seven points adrift of log-leaders New Zealand on the overall standings.
According to the Springbok Sevens’ medical team, Dry will be out of action for 10 to 12 weeks. Depending on how his injury responds to treatment, he could possibly recover in time to be considered for the Commonwealth Games in July in Glasgow.
Cecil Afrika, an influential playmaker, is also doubtful for the final two tournaments after he suffered a groin strain in Hong Kong.
He is currently busy with his rehabilitation programme at the team’s base in Stellenbosch, where the medical team is monitoring his recovery efforts closely.
The two setbacks aside, there was also a good measure of positive news regarding the injury status of four other squad members.
Regular captain Kyle Brown is on course to recover fully from the blow to the head he received against France in the opening match in Hong Kong, while Branco du Preez (sore cheek), Seabelo Senatla (hamstring) and Phillip Snyman should all be fit and available for selection for the important trip to the United Kingdom.
This is a considerable boost for Neil Powell, the Springbok Sevens coach, who will announce his 12-man squad on Wednesday, April 23, two days before they fly out to Glasgow.
The full training squad will resume their preparations on April 14 in Stellenbosch following a short break.