JD Schickerling

Based on the video evidence below, Tank Lanning believes it impossible to argue against at least further investigation into Irne Herbst’s tackle on JD Schickerling in Saturday’s Under-21 game at Loftus Versfeld.

Schickerling was injured after catching a ball from a kick-off when Bulls lock Herbst’s shoulder collided with Schickerling’s head. Afterwards, the Bulls’ other lock, Marvin Orie, grabbed Schickerling in a headclamp, before hurling him to the ground.

Orie has been asked to attend an official SARU disciplinary committee, while Herbst was issued an off-field yellow card after the WPRU asked for the incident to be reviewed.

Watch the video below:

sport24
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5La8BUctrks[/youtube]
This because the referee refused to ask the TMO to get involved, despite there being a 10 minute break as Schickerling was carried from the field.

How the referee refused to get the TMO involved in the first place is beyond me, and given the above footage, it seems pretty obvious to me that both Herbst and Orie should be part of a SARU disciplinary committee investigating this tragic passage of play.

These shoulder charges, tackling without arms, and the pulling of players by the neck are becoming common place in modern day rugby, and it cannot be long before an even more serious injury occurs.

I am not saying Herbst did this on purpose, but there has to be a chance, and given the injury suffered by Schickerling, an enquiry seems the obvious path to follow.

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Players fund supports WP lock

The Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players Fund pledged its support to the two young players who suffered serious neck injuries over the weekend.

Junior Springbok lock JD Schickerling suffered a broken neck after a dangerous tackle during the Western Province Under-21 team’s clash against the Blue Bulls Under 21s in Pretoria on Saturday. He was rushed to the hospital, where he’s currently receiving treatment after two operations.

Messages of support have flocked in for the talented 19-year-old, including from high-profile players. Springbok lock Bakkies Botha said on Twitter: “Wishing you strength after your accident on the field. I believe you will return a stronger player. Blessings.”

The Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players Fund has also passed on its support since the incident, according to chairperson of trustees Morne du Plessis.

“We’ve met with Western Province and the Blue Bulls after receiving the terrible news. It’s never nice to hear about a young player getting seriously injured on the rugby field,” Du Plessis told the MyPlayers website.

“I met with Western Province MD Rob Wagner, and he has ensured that the union will look after JD and his parents during this difficult time. The Blue Bulls have also played their part in
offering support.

“Overall, the support over the past few days has been amazing,” he added. “Hearing a guy like Springbok lock Bakkies Botha taking time to pass on his wishes is great to see. The national team has always been supportive of the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players Fund as they acknowledge the threat of serious injuries.”

There was a second serious incident over the weekend as Tukkies Youth Club player Dyllan Beneckhe also suffered a neck injury during an Under-16 club game.

Du Plessis added that the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players Fund is assisting the player where possible.

“This is another unfortunate situation. We will meet with the player and his parents and offer financial and moral support,” said Du Plessis. “The Bulls have also played their part by offering support.

“The Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players Fund, together with BokSmart, has worked hard to ensure that players’ safety is considered across all levels in rugby,” he added. “This has seen the level of injuries decrease in recent years.

“It’s been an unfortunate that last weekend witnessed two injuries, especially one happening at a professional level. We will continue with our hard work.”

When asked if both players had the chance of playing rugby again, Du Plessis believed their health should be the main focus.

“It’s tough to predict if these boys will return to the rugby field. We will have to wait for the full medical reports as every injury is different,” he said. “We have had players make successful recoveries from serious neck injuries, like Schalk Burger.

“But we need to remember that a full recovery is the most important part of this process right now. Rugby comes second.”