Francois Louw

Ruan Pienaar

Overseas-based Springboks Francois Louw and Ruan Pienaar will be ready for action by the time the Boks play their first game this year.

Flanker Louw, who plays for Bath in England, has recovered from an ankle injury which ruled him out for the last nine weeks. He is expected to play for Bath in their Amlin Challenge Cup final against Northampton Saints at Cardiff Arms Park on Friday.

Scrumhalf Pienaar has also returned to action for his Irish club, Ulster, after being sidelined for four weeks.

Sport24

His dad, former Springbok Gysie, said that his son would be ready for selection when the Boks play their first game of the year on 7 June.

Bok coach Heyneke Meyer earlier this week announced a 36-man squad to attend a national training camp in Durban from 25 to 28 May.

Non-European-based players were not considered due to club commitments but there will be some overseas additions when Meyer names his final squad on 31 May, with Louw and Pienaar likely to be called on.

The Springboks start their year with a game against the World XV at Newlands on 7 June, followed by 2 Tests against Wales (Durban 14 June and Nelspruit 21 June) and 1 against Scotland (Port Elizabeth 28 June).