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Southern Kings winger Sergeal Petersen has been withdrawn from the South Africa Under-20 Junior World Championship (JWC) squad because of a hamstring injury.
Petersen sustained the injury during a Vodacom Super Rugby match between the Southern Kings and the Waraths. Former SA Schools utility back Jessie Kriel (Vodacom Blue Bulls) will replace Petersen and is set to join the squad in Stellenboch.
“Sergeal underwent a MRI scan and it was confirmed that he still has significant structural damage to his hamstring. He will require rehabilitation for a further 3 to 4 four weeks, which rules him out of the JWC pools matches,” explained Dr Phato Zondi, the SA Under-20 team doctor.
Dawie Theron, the SA Under-20 coach, described the withdrawal as a major disappointment for the team. “Sergeal is such a talented player and he was really looking forward to play for the Junior Springboks. We all feel gutted for him and want to wish him a speedy recovery,” said Theron.
The Junior Springboks travel on Thursday to France.
Sergeal told AlgoaFM news he was naturally disappointed but accepted he would not be ready. "I'll still be young enough to play in this event next year, so hopefully there will be another opportunity to play for the Baby Boks. I'm coming back to Port Elizabeth to continue my rehabilitation because the aim is to be ready for the Southern Kings last three Super Rugby matches at the end of June and into July against the Bulls, Stormers and Sharks."
