Bulls winger Akona Ndungane was dealt a cruel blow when he suffered a broken leg on Wednesday.

The experienced winger was only just coming back from the same injury which he sustained in last year’s Currie Cup. He had gotten match fitness in the vodacom cup, and was due to play this weekend’s super 14 fixture against the Sharks on Saturday.

The injury was slightly freakish, coming when Ndungane slipped whilst running back to field a kick and a loud crack was audible to his team mates. It it not yet confirmed if the break is in the same place as his previous injury, but it means a lengthy spell on the sidelines if not permanently?

Bones generally heal well with minimal complications, and whilst we can expect Ndungane is unlikely to play again this year, it is unlikely to be career threatening if Ndungane is prepared to go through the rehab process again.

“It’s a big loss, and he worked very hard to be able to make the comeback this weekend. He has been one of our stalwarts over the past five, six years and it is very sad that he won’t be able to make that comeback now” said Bulls captain Victor Matfield.

“We’re lucky that Francois Hougaard is able to slot in and he has played there well this season for us. It just shows that you must enjoy every moment that you have in this game, because you never know when you’re going to be injured.” continued Matfield.

“He is one of the guys who has been in our system for a very long time now, and we had a lot of hope that he would make a successful comeback this weekend. It’s sad but we need to go on,” said Bulls coach Frans Ludeke.

The Bulls are lucky they have a very able replacement in Francois Hougaard who has had a solid season, despite also being plauged by minor injuries. In John Mametsa there is good quality back-up if needed too.

Ndungane was rushed to the Little Company of Mary hospital. I wish all the best to Ndungane for his rehab and trust he has a speedy recovery.