Bulls get a Bok prop back

The Bulls received a timely boost, with the news that Springbok prop Marcel van der Merwe has been cleared to return to the playing field.


Van der Merwe's return to the training field this week, comes after the Pretoria-based outfit suffered disappointing defeats in the opening matches of their campaign - against the Stormers and Hurricanes.


Bulls team doctor Org Strauss confirmed on Monday that the prop has recovered from a hamstring injury and ligament strain.


News on the injury of midfielder William Small-Smith has been less fortunate though, with the player being ruled out for at least two months with a foot injury.


He will join the long-term injury group consisting of Flip van der Merwe (pectoral, April return date), Pierre Schoeman (knee, July), Bandise Maku (pectoral, six months), Burger Odendaal (knee, four weeks) and Werner Kruger (ankle, three months).


Arno Botha will be out for another two weeks with his pectoral muscle tear, Strauss indicated.


Rudy Paige, Bjorn Basson, JJ Engelbrecht, Hencus van Wyk and Morné Mellett will not train on Monday due to minor niggles.


However, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg will be back after recovering from a AC Joint sprain.