Bulls without Jake White for a month after emergency surgery
After it was initially reported last week that Jake White had caught a cold on tour with the Bulls in Wales, it later emerged that he had more serious health problems and he underwent emergency surgery on Sunday night to treat a medical problem in his abdominal area.
The Bulls had to play in the United Rugby Championship against the Dragons in Newport, Wales, on Friday night without Jake White in their coaches’ booth next to the pitch, after it was initially reported that he had stayed behind at the hotel because he was apparently diagnosed with a serious cold.
The same happened to the Bulls’ flyhalf, Chris Smith, and he had to withdraw from the team and also stay behind in the hotel to isolate and recover.
White was reportedly on the mend as the team returned from Newport. The team arrived back in South Africa on Sunday morning. However, later in the day, he complained of debilitating stomach cramps and was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention, necessitating an emergency operation.
According to a statement from the Bulls, the operation was successful, but no details were given about the nature of White’s medical condition. It was mentioned that the medical team is confident that he will make a full recovery and return to his role soon.
BBCo. Chief Executive Officer, Edgar Rathbone visited White this morning, to convey a message of support, stating that everyone at the union cannot wait to have him back on his feet.
“It is never nice to see one of our own down but we are extremely confident that Jake is receiving the best medical attention available and our team of medical experts will provide him with all the necessary support he will need to make a full recovery. We would like to thank the hospital team, doctors and all those who rushed to offer their expertise and helped with attending to Jake,” Rathbone remarked.
The Bulls also announced that, whilst recovering from the operation and going through his rehabilitation programme, White will be taking a brief break from his team duties until the 08th of February 2023.
According to the Bulls’ statement, the coaching team will continue to share the responsibility of leading the team whilst the director of rugby is away.
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