Pierre Spies out of World Cup
2007-07-30 19:13
Cape Town - Springbok loose-forward Pierre Spies has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup in France, following a detection of clots in his lungs.
Team Doctor Yusuf Hassan said the player may not participate in any contact sport for a period of between six and eight months.
"He will be treated and monitored over the next couple of months."
Coach Jake White said he was devastated by the news of the player's health. "It's a huge loss for the team," said White. "He is such a great player who would have played a huge role in our campaign in France. It would have been fascinating to see him in action with the likes of Schalk Burger at the World Cup."
White said there was no word on a replacement yet, as he is in discussions with the national selectors.
Spies said he was sad to be out of the game for such a long time, but was also looking at the bright side. "It would have been great to be in France, but I must accept that it is good that they diagnosed the problem much earlier," said Spies.
"Matters could have been worse had I continued playing. I wish the team all the best in France, and am also looking forward to playing for the Springboks again in the near future."