Super Rugby
Duane Vermeulen cleared to return for play-offs
ESPN Staff
June 8, 2015
Duane Vermeulen
Duane Vermeulen© Photo by Carl Fourie/Gallo Images/Getty Images

Duane Vermeulen has given the Stormers a boost ahead of the Super Rugby play-offs, with news that he does not require neck surgery.

The South Africa international was withdrawn from his side's draw with the Lions on Saturday having suffered a severe neck spasm following the captain's run, and it had been feared that the injury could rule him out of the Rugby World Cup.

"Duane Vermeulen saw a neurosurgeon today [Monday] and the neurosurgeon has given us the positive feedback that he continues to improve and that he still shows no signs of specific nerve root irritation," Stormers team doctor Dr Jason Suter said.

"After reviewing the MRI with his radiology colleagues, the neurosurgeon is confident that the disc bulge is old and has not changed from previous scans, and is not the cause of the severe spasm. He has recommended no surgical management and Duane will undergo extensive physiotherapy over the next 10 days.

"The neurosurgeon has also indicated that there is no risk of exacerbating the injury and feels that Duane will be able to play in the Super Rugby play-offs.

"The Stormers medical team will continue to manage him, and he will obtain a second neurosurgical opinion tomorrow [Tuesday] to ensure he is given all possible input to his injury and its management."

The Stormers lead the South African conference and are set to host either an elimination final or a semi-final in the end-of-season play-offs.

© ESPN Staff

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