De Jager has learnt to deal with setbacks. A rare heart condition, pericarditis, kept him out of last year’s World Cup, a dislocated shoulder saw him leave the field in the 2019 World Cup final in Yokohama before he injured the same shoulder while playing for the Sale Sharks. Upon his return he suffered a freak training ground accident that saw him tear knee ligaments and fracture his fibula.
He has learnt to be philosophical but he also has the benefit of seeing a broader picture. “It’s rugby, but it’s only rugby. There is more to life. I’ve got three kids and a wife. I’ve been at home for a while.
“It’s our job and it is a huge privilege to play for the Springboks. It has been the highlight of my career and I hope I can do it again, even if it is just once. There is more to life. I have a family and they keep me humble.”
Excessive time on the sidelines may end up pushing back 31-year-old’s retirement date. “We’ll have to wait and see,” he said cautiously.
“When I’ve been fit and playing in Japan, it has actually gone well. The body has felt good but the timing of the injuries have been terrible. I think I can still contribute something. We’ll have to wait and see when I get back on the field. Hopefully I’m 100% past my troubles.”