Bulls boss Jake White undergoes emergency surgery

The Blue Bulls Company has confirmed that its director of rugby, Jake White, underwent successful emergency abdominal surgery on Sunday evening.

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White had been under the weather during the Bulls’ recent trip to Wales, but was on the mend as the team returned from Newport.

The team arrived back in South Africa, landing at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday at 10:10.

Later in the day White complained of debilitating stomach cramps and was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention, necessitating an emergency operation.

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After further specialist consultations and discussions with our medical team, at around 18:00, White was taken in for an operation to repair the assessed damage.

The successful 2-hour surgery took place at a Pretoria hospital and the doctors are pleased that everything went well.

Jake White will take a month-long break

The medical team is confident that Jake White will make a full recovery and return to his role soon.

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BBCo. Chief Executive Officer Edgar Rathbone visited White on Monday 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.

“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.”

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While recovering from the operation and going through his rehabilitation programme, White will be taking a brief break from his team duties until 8 February 2023.

At present, the club cannot place a timestamp on the length of this period but will be guided by the expertise and advice of the medical staff.

The Bulls promised to keep its fans, stakeholders and the South African rugby-loving public in the know as and when there are developments or updates.

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