News

Retired Bok eyes comeback

September 23 2008

Former Springbok lock Jannes Labuschagne has begun training with the Lions Currie Cup squad in an attempt to make a remarkable comeback since retiring from the game in 2006.

The 32-year-old has been working on his fitness with the Lions' doctor Gerhard Jordaan for a month now, and trained with the other players for the first time on Monday.

Labuschagne, who is infamous for being red-carded for a late tackle on Jonny Wilkinson in South Africa's 53-3 loss to England in 2002, discussed a possible return a few weeks ago.

"He feels he still has something to offer rugby and I know that is the case," said Lions coach Eugene Eloff.

"I think the break he's had has been good for him. Jannes is training on his own and is not seeking a contract. He's just looking for an opportunity."

Despite the shortage of locks at the Lions union at present, Eloff will not field the 11-times capped Labuschagne in this year's Currie Cup but he could be used in next year's Super 14 and Currie Cup, providing the Lions with some necessary depth in the second row.