South Africa
De Villiers 'way ahead' of schedule in injury return
ESPN Staff
May 6, 2015
Jean de Villiers is making good progress in his return from a serious knee injury © PA Photos
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Injuries may have dominated the headlines following the opening day of the Springboks first Rugby World Cup training camp but there was at least some good news in the form of skipper Jean de Villiers.

While 19 players took no part in training on the opening day on Monday, the sight of veteran centre de Villiers continuing his comeback from a serious knee injury gave coach Heyneke Meyer something to smile about.

"He is way ahead of where he is supposed to be and we are really happy with his progress at this stage," Meyer told reporters on Tuesday. "I am very happy with Jean, he is in a good space, he is really training well and the medical team has really done a great job."

De Villiers required knee surgery after going down in a maul during the Springboks' final Test of 2014. The 34-year-old Springboks star was originally thought to be touch and go for the World Cup, but the signs are starting to look more positive and he could yet lead the 1995 and 2007 champions in England come September.

"He's running pretty hard, he's running really hard. He is doing a lot of field training and doing a lot of conditioning," Springboks doctor Craig Roberts said. "He isn't far from doing some team training, so we are happy with his progress, but it's still early days."

De Villiers won't play any part in the Stormers' Super Rugby campaign but could conceivably make a return during the shortened Rugby Championship. A more likely scenario however will be that he eases back into rugby via South Africa's Currie Cup.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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