Springboks star Faf de Klerk has announced that he’s aiming to return to action in early April after undergoing knee surgery in January.
The 32-year-old Yokohama Canon Eagles scrum-half has been out of action since 7 January while countryman Jesse Kriel, 29, has been sidelined with a thumb injury.
The double World Cup winners announced that they would both withdraw from League One temporarily to undergo treatment in their native South Africa.
Japan’s top-flight regular season concludes on 5 May with the play-offs taking place on the 18 and 19 May before the final at the National Stadium in Tokyo on 26 May.
In a video post on the club’s Instagram account, the former Sale Sharks ace said: “The injury recovery is doing really really well and I’m very confident that I’ll be back early April and hopefully play until the end of the season.
“I recently got a baby girl, Remi-Ray, we’re very excited but also a little bit tired.”
Club and international teammate Kriel (below) also provided an update on his status.
Kriel said: “I just wanted to let you know that the rehab on my thumb is going very well, I’m heading back to Japan in the next two weeks or so.
“I can’t wait to get back. I’m very excited to join up with the team again and get back onto the field. The team is working very hard and we need your support. I can’t wait to see you all when I’m back.”
Yokohama were stunned by a late show from champions Kubota Spears on Friday and dropped one place to fifth in the table with six regular season games remaining.
Last season’s play-off semi-finalists face third-placed Suntory at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium on Saturday.
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