Bath get their Bok back

Bath have been bolstered by the return of Springbok flank Francois Louw for Saturday’s Premiership clash with London Irish at the Madejski Stadium.

Louw, who has been on international duty with South Africa in the Rugby Championship, slots straight back into the starting line-up for some valuable game time ahead of the Springbok squad announcement for the home Tests against Australia and New Zealand.

The 12-Test Bok has been cleared and will rejoin the national side in South Africa should he retain his place in the squad.

After relaxing his stance on specialist openside flanks, Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer named Louw in the run-on side for the Test against New Zealand ahead of in-form youngster Marcell Coetzee.

The former Stormers loose forward failed to grab the opportunity as he struggled against All Black skipper Richie McCaw and conceded three penalties in the Springboks’ 21-11 defeat.

Louw’s greatest rival for a place in the national side, Heinrich Brussow, has been in impressive form for the Free State Cheetahs since returning from injury.

Meyer, however, believes Louw is a better ball-carrier and could thus stick with the Bath-based flank when he announces his squad this weekend.