Siya Kolisi in race to be fit for World Cup after knee surgery

South Africa flanker Siya Kolisi has had knee surgery in a bid to be fit for the Rugby World Cup in France starting in September, according to local media – but it appears to be touch-and-go for the influential Springbok captain.

Kolisi suffered a partial tear to his anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) last weekend playing for Durban-based Sharks in the United Rugby Championship and there had been fears he would be ruled out of the Boks’ defence of their world title.

“Siya has been consulting specialists all week and the consensus is that if he has the surgery now, he is likely to be available for the World Cup,” one source told South African website IOL.

The player, his club and South African Rugby have all remained tight-lipped over the injury this week, leading to much speculation over his prospects of him leading the side in France.

Kolisi’s wife Rachel was quoted by television station ENCA on Friday as confirming Kolisi had the surgery, which was initially said to rule him out for up to nine months – though that prognosis appears to have improved drastically.

Kolisi, 31, is key for the Boks as a player and captain and is one of the most respected figures in the global game.

South Africa, who name their final 33-man squad for the World Cup on August 8, begin their title defence against Scotland in Marseille on September 10.