Redelinghuys expected to make full recovery

Editor

Lions prop Julian Redelinghuys had successful neck surgery on Sunday and should be able to return home later this week.

Redelinghuys suffered the serious neck injury while playing for the Golden Lions against the Free State Cheetahs in the first semi-final in Bloemfontein, which the Lions lost 55-17.

He was stretchered off the field just after half-time after colliding with Cheetahs hooker Torsten van Jaarsveld.

"Julian's operation went well on Sunday morning. He had a fusion at C5/6 level. If all goes well, he should be able to return home later this week," said doctor Rob Collins, team doctor of the Golden Lions.

Redelinghuys had minimal temporary weakness of his left arm. He was in traction at a Bloemfontein hospital and underwent surgery to reduce the dislocation and stabilise it. He is expected to make a full recovery.