Juan de Jongh
DHL Western Province were dealt a cruel blow with the news that captain Juan de Jongh has been ruled out of action for 8 to 10 weeks.
De Jongh suffered a knee injury in the 49th minute of last Saturday’s 9 / 3 win over the Toyota Free State Cheetahs.
The Springbok centre – who captained WP to Currie Cup glory last season – suffered a Grade 2 Medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear, which could potentially see him only return in time for the Currie Cup play-offs in October.
“To lose one’s captain is always a blow, but to lose someone of Juan’s ability and standing within the team is obviously disappointing for us,” WP coach John Dobson said.
“We are fortunate to have a lot of options at centre, but a guy like Juan will leave a big hole given his experience and defensive abilities.”
No 8 Nizaam Carr will take over the Western Province captaincy in the absence of De Jongh and Dobson added: “Nizaam is a local lad, who has played all of his rugby for Western Province and this is a great opportunity for him.
“He was one of our better players in the tough weather conditions at the weekend,” added Dobson.
“He has been a leader within the squad for some time now and I look forward to seeing him bring the best out of those around him.”
Carr, 24, has played 30 matches for Western Province since his debut in August 2011.
“To captain a proud union like this is in an historic competition like the Currie Cup is a massive honour and responsibility for me,” said Carr.
“We have a lot of leaders within our young playing group and there isn’t much for me to change, given what Juan has put in place, so I will just go about my business as usual with a few added responsibilities.”
Western Province will take on the Vodacom Blue Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday.
The WP line-up will be announced at lunch-time on Thursday.
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