Senatla set for a comeback after serious car accident

Last year, shocking news came to light that Seabelo Senatla had been involved in a serious car accident on 4 May. The incident occurred on the eve of the Stormers’ United Rugby Championship quarter-final against the Bulls.

Senatla, one of the greatest Blitzboks players of all time, has been out of action ever since then as he began an extensive recovery from severe nerve damage to his arm.

It later emerged that there was real concern about the future of his playing career due to his injuries.

“There have been several operations already and it will have long-term consequences,” Stormers coach John Dobson commented at the time. “The next two ops will probably be decisive in determining any return to rugby.

“But we are standing by Seabelo … he is a very popular and special member of the team. It’s been a traumatic blow to us.”

GOOD NEWS FOR SEABELO SENATLA

In extremely positive developments, Senatla is understood to have taken part in full training at the Stormers’ base in Bellville on Monday as the team prepared for their next URC games.

Understandably, with just a few weeks left in the season, the speedster is not expected to feature during this campaign, but should be available ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Senatla was a core part of the Stormers’ URC-winning team a couple of years ago, scoring nine tries in 17 appearances.

SPECIAL TALENT

Senatla made a name for himself on the sevens circuit, having first signed a contract with the Springbok Sevens team in 2013. Senatla’s speed and skills were on display at the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens and the 2016 Olympics, where he helped his team secure a bronze medal.

He then opted to transitioned to the fifteens format, and had established himself as a key members of the Stormers starting team before the latest setback.

A pectoral injury first sidelined him early in the 2022-23 season, but it was the injuries suffered in the car accident that really puta his future in jeopardy.

Dobson previously celebrated the commitment Senatla had made to extend his contract with the Stormers and Western Province.

“Seabelo’s familiarity with the tryline is well-known, both in Sevens and 15s, but he brings much more than just deadly finishing abilities to our team.

“We want to create an environment for Seabelo to reach his considerable potential and be a Bok in both Sevens and 15s, which there is no doubt he is capable of.

“He is a model professional who works as hard as anyone and is constantly looking to improve himself, which is why it is so exciting to have him on board with us beyond the Rugby World Cup in 2023,” he said.