The double World Cup winner has been on the sidelines since the beginning of the year, when an injury forced him to go under the knife to mend a tendon near his groin. The surgery cast doubt on his appearance for the series.

However, speaking to Rapport, Kwagga "Battle Stats" Smith revealed that he has made a full recovery and will be fit for duty come July.

"I'm back in South Africa and definitely ready for the [Irish] Tests," Smith told the Sunday newspaper.

"I trained 100% comfortably with my team in Japan a month ago."

It is welcome news for the World Champions, who are set to be without juggernaut Jasper Wiese for the beginning of their season after he was handed a six-game suspension.

There is talent aplenty gunning for the BoksÃ¢™ No.8 jersey, with Evan Roos and Cameron Hanekom in red-hot form for the Stormers and Bulls respectively. Young talent Elrigh Louw, who has been running out as a flanker for the Bulls, is already a capped Bok and offers another option.

However, with veteran Smith back in the mix for the Boks, this trio will likely take a backseat for now.

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