VIDEO: Whiteley's very 'frustrating' injury
WATCH as former Springboks captain Warren Whiteley tries to shed light on his never-ending knee injury and his new role at the Lions.
With Whiteley's knee injury ruling him out for this year's Super Rugby season, the Lions have opted to hand him the role as their new line-out coach.
The 32-year-old has been struggling with several injuries and it could be that his knee troubles could ultimately prove to be the end of his playing career.
Nonetheless, it seems like Whiteley has not given up on returning to the field.
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"Still struggling with the injury, but decided to be proactive and use this time to focus on coaching and develop as a coach," said Whiteley.
"The game is my passion and my plan was always to coach. I think I was fortunate enough to be involved in the Currie Cup coaching setup.
"But I will have an MRI scan in a month or two and then we will take it from there. At this moment it is bone bruising and I can't jog yet.
"With this type of injury, it is very difficult because the specialist can't determine if it will be okay after a year or two years... and it's very frustrating."
He added: "It is not easy and very challenging but being involved in coaching and seeing guys develope has helped me mentally."
The Lions open their Super Rugby campaign against the Jaguares on February 1 in Buenos Aires.