South Africa recall Elton Jantjies in Rugby Championship training squad

South Africa have recalled flyhalf Elton Jantjies in the Rugby Championship training squad as an injury cover.

Jantjies last played for the Boks in August last year and has been out of favour since then. Nevertheless, he has been recalled with Handré Pollard and Damian Willemse are sidelined by injuries and are undergoing rehabilitation.

The 32-year-old will join Manie Libbok as head coach Jacques Nienaber is looking to strengthen the fly-half options.

“Damian has a knee injury and will be touch-and-go for the first Test of the season next month, while Handré is definitely out,” said Nienaber.

“It means Manie is our only fit flyhalf as of today and we can’t go into a Test season without any cover. We weighed up the options available locally and overseas — having tracked all of them throughout the season just completed — and Elton is the next flyhalf in line.

“He knows our thinking and systems inside out and can slot in easily. We kick off against Australia in three weeks and should Damian Willemse not return to full fitness by then, Elton would be ready to play.”

South Africa will kick-start their Rugby Championship campaign with a clash against Australia on 8th July followed by an encounter against the All Blacks on 15th July.