Cheetahs and Springboks flanker Juan Smith is set to make a decision about his playing future at the end of January.
Smith has been sidelined due to an Achilles injury sustained two years ago.
According to the Volksblad website the 31-year-old is currently in training and will assess the extent of his rehabilitation before making a final decision.
If the 69-Test veteran does not endure any pain after the Cheetahs' field sessions, he is set to delay his planned move to Bayonne until later in his career.
It was reported in September that he is likely to join the Top 14 outfit but it appears that he will now continue with the Cheetahs in this year's Super Rugby tournament.
Smith hasn't played since injuring himself in a Super Rugby match for the Cheetahs against the Bulls in 2011. His last Test was against England at Twickenham in November 2010.
The Cheetahs resume their pre-season training programme on Monday.
Comments
bloemboy says...
Smith, Brussouw, Burger, Alberts, Vermeulen, Louw, Coetzee, with others like Kolisi, Daniel, Kankowski, Spies, Johnston also available, SA truely are blessed with excellent talent. Smith though would be the first name on my teamsheet, as captain.
Posted 07:08 07th January 2013
ben7 says...
Majorly underrated! The worlds best Blindside Flanker in my opinion. I'd like to see a Bok back row of 6.Brussow 7.Smith 8.Burger although Alberts and Louw have been awesome too
Posted 23:50 05th January 2013
boksmashoffice says...
I really hope Juan makes it. The man is a great player and a classy guy. A rare thing in modern day rugby.
Posted 21:29 04th January 2013
carpelone says...
Good luck. Juan was the glue that kept together our back row and made it the best in business. Sorely missed at the RWC. Legend.,
Posted 09:31 04th January 2013