Springboks to miss Cheslin Kolbe on year-end tour as Stormers confirm return date

Kolbe suffered a broken jaw during South Africa's 29-24 Test victory over New Zealand at FNB Stadium in Soweto on 5 September and will not travel with the squad.

Matt Norton, the 32-year-old utility back's agent at Roc Nation Sports International, revealed that Kolbe sustained a double fracture of the jaw.

The nasty injury resulted in him having to consume blended foods through a straw for a two-month recovery period.

"The top part of the fracture was too close to his facial nerves," Norton said, adding: "That delayed his return to play, because the bone had to fuse naturally."

Norton confirmed that Kolbe is expected to return to action on 5 December, when the Stormers travel to Durban to face the Sharks in a United Rugby Championship derby.

Stormers director of rugby John Dobson has also confirmed that the 53-cap Springbok will only be back in December.

"He is available to us from the start of December," Dobson confirmed. "The Springboks will miss him on the year-end tour."

Dobson confirmed Kolbe is attending team meetings and involved in match preparations.

"We can't wait to have him," Dobson said. "We are very excited about that." 

READ MORE: Forgotten lock Jean Kleyn hoping to bash his way back into Springbok contention