South Africa's Cheslin Kolbe eyes comeback against Ireland

South Africa receive a major boost ahead of the upcoming international season with star winger Cheslin Kolbe set to return for the home series against Ireland.

Kolbe suffered a knee niggle while playing for Tokyo-based Suntory Sungoliath and underwent scans to take a medical opinion.

The double World Cup-winning wing was released from the Springboks squad and was initially expected to miss the entire season but now the South African board released a statement that he is in line to return for the two-game series against Ireland starting on 6th July in Pretoria.

Durban will host the second game between Ireland and South Africa on 13th July before they concluded the home series with a clash against Portugal on 20th July in Bloemfontein.

Nevertheless, he has been ruled out of the Twickenham encounter against Wales on 22nd June.

“After consultation with the medical team on Sunday, he was released on Monday to seek a specialist opinion,” read a statement from SA Rugby.

“Kolbe returned to camp on Wednesday afternoon to follow a rehabilitation programme.

“He will do his rehabilitation under the supervision of the Bok medical staff with an eye on possibly being available for selection for the opening Test against Ireland.”