Pretoria – Vodacom Blue Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White is recovering after he underwent successful emergency abdominal surgery at the weekend.
The Blue Bulls Company (BBCo.) on Monday said it “wishes to notify the public that Vodacom Bulls mentor and director of rugby, Jake White underwent successful emergency – abdominal – surgery on Sunday evening, (8 January 2023)”.
White had been under the weather during the Vodacom Bulls’ recent trip to Wales but was on the mend as the team returned from Newport.
The team landed at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday mid-morning, at 10H10.
“Later in the day, the BBCo. director of rugby complained of debilitating stomach cramps and was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention, necessitating an emergency operation,” the rugby club said.
After further specialist consultations and discussions with our medical team, at around 18H00, White was taken in for an operation to repair the assessed damage.
The successful two-hour surgery took place at a Pretoria hospital and the doctors are pleased that everything went well.
The medical team is confident that Jake will make a full recovery and return to his role soon.
BBCo. Chief Executive Officer, Edgar Rathbone visited White this morning, to convey a message of support, stating that everyone at the club cannot wait to have him back on his feet.
“It is never nice to see one of our own down, but we are extremely confident that Jake is receiving the best medical attention available, and our team of medical experts will provide him with all the necessary support he will need to make a full recovery,” said Rathbone.
“We would like to thank the hospital team, doctors, and all those who rushed to offer their expertise and helped with attending to Jake. We have seen, first-hand, why South African medicine is rated among the best in the world. Thank you.”
While recovering from the operation and going through his rehabilitation programme, White will be taking a brief break from his team duties until the 08th of February 2023.
The club said it cannot place a timestamp on the length of this period but will be guided by the expertise and advice of the medical staff.
“Vodacom Bulls’ fans, stakeholders and the South African rugby-loving public will be kept in the know as and when there are developments or updates,” the rugby club said.
“The coaching team will continue to share the responsibility of leading the team whilst the director of rugby is away.
“Everyone at the Loftus wishes Jake a speedy recovery and will be supporting him in every way possible to get him back on the pitch as soon as possible.”
