After a knee surgery setback that extended his time off the pitch, Vodacom Bulls and Springbok prop Gerhard Steenekamp is punching back into the rugby scene with renewed vigor. At 28, following a surgical procedure to address cartilage issues post the Boks’ 2024 tour, Steenekamp faced unforeseen complications due to an infection which delayed his return. Yet, with unwavering resolve and familial support, he’s now ready to scrum down again.
“There was no injury as such; rather I needed to sort out loose cartilage and have it scraped,” Steenekamp revealed. The initial plan was straightforward until an infection threw a wrench in the works. “
“The plan was to clean it, but then I got an infection, which was a problem.”
Despite the setback, his spirits remained high, buoyed by personal support. “It was difficult, but my wife and kids helped plenty. You can control what you can control. I learned to stay positive and enjoyed the extra time at home with my family.”
His recovery saw him walking shortly after surgery, but it took a solid two months post-infection before he could hit a run. Now, after six weeks of training with the Bulls, Steenekamp is not just walking or running; he’s sprinting towards the new season with confidence. “
“[The knee] felt good [when returning to training], but match fitness takes time,”
he commented, affirming his physical readiness, “The body is strong, and I’m happy where I’m at, a long way from a month ago. I’m ready.”
While the robust player is focused on delivering his best for the Bulls in the upcoming Vodacom URC season, questions about his return to the international arena linger. Yet, Steenekamp remains grounded, prioritizing his immediate responsibilities over future possibilities. “For the moment I’m just happy to be playing rugby and doing my best for the Bulls. If [Bok selection] happens, it happens. I’ll work hard and hopefully have enough game time to reach Test match level.”
The Bulls are set to kick off their URC campaign this Saturday against the Ospreys at Loftus Versfeld, where Steenekamp's presence will surely be a boost for the team’s aspirations this season.
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After a knee surgery setback that extended his time off the pitch, Vodacom Bulls and Springbok prop Gerhard Steenekamp is punching back into the rugby scene with renewed vigor. At 28, following a surgical procedure to address cartilage issues post the Boks’ 2024 tour, Steenekamp faced unforeseen complications due to an infection which delayed his return. Yet, with unwavering resolve and familial support, he’s now ready to scrum down again.
“There was no injury as such; rather I needed to sort out loose cartilage and have it scraped,” Steenekamp revealed. The initial plan was straightforward until an infection threw a wrench in the works. “
“The plan was to clean it, but then I got an infection, which was a problem.”
Despite the setback, his spirits remained high, buoyed by personal support. “It was difficult, but my wife and kids helped plenty. You can control what you can control. I learned to stay positive and enjoyed the extra time at home with my family.”His recovery saw him walking shortly after surgery, but it took a solid two months post-infection before he could hit a run. Now, after six weeks of training with the Bulls, Steenekamp is not just walking or running; he’s sprinting towards the new season with confidence. “
“[The knee] felt good [when returning to training], but match fitness takes time,”
he commented, affirming his physical readiness, “The body is strong, and I’m happy where I’m at, a long way from a month ago. I’m ready.”While the robust player is focused on delivering his best for the Bulls in the upcoming Vodacom URC season, questions about his return to the international arena linger. Yet, Steenekamp remains grounded, prioritizing his immediate responsibilities over future possibilities. “For the moment I’m just happy to be playing rugby and doing my best for the Bulls. If [Bok selection] happens, it happens. I’ll work hard and hopefully have enough game time to reach Test match level.”
The Bulls are set to kick off their URC campaign this Saturday against the Ospreys at Loftus Versfeld, where Steenekamp's presence will surely be a boost for the team’s aspirations this season.