Francois Louw released from Springbok squad

Jun 11 • General News, International, Springbok News, Springboks, World Rugby • 3197 Views • Comments Off on Francois Louw released from Springbok squad

Springbok flanker Francois Louw will be released from the national squad in preparation for his wedding day and will not be considered for Saturday’s Test against Scotland in Nelspruit.

Louw marries fiancé Sarah Tatham on Sunday and Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer decided it would be best for the team and hard-working loose forward to focus on his wedding day.

“This is a very precious time for Francois and Sarah and I want them both to enjoy this very special occasion,” said Meyer. “Francois is extremely committed to the Springbok cause. I wanted to give him the entire week off, but he insisted on training with the squad this week.

“He really wanted to play on Saturday. While I respect that and believe playing for your country should always come first, one needs to be flexible when it comes to special occasions like these, which is why I have told him to take a few days off.

“Family is very important to us and I would like to wish him and both families the very best for their big day. Francois will join us again in Pretoria on Monday and I know his full focus will then be with the Springboks again.”

Meyer added that there was sufficient depth at loose forward in the squad and that this will also grant him an opportunity to look at other players in the Springbok set-up.

The 27-year-old Louw, who played in his 18^th Springbok Test in Durban last Saturday and has been an integral part of the national squad since he was recalled in September 2012, said he was thankful for the opportunity to enjoy his forthcoming wedding day, which was planned a few months ago for Sunday, 16 June.

“My country will always come first and I would have loved to play for the Springboks this weekend,” said Louw.

“But I appreciate the coach’s view and the fact that he has granted me a few days off. Getting married is an important day in any person’s life and I’m very much looking forward to it, but I’m equally excited to join the squad again next week.”