Bulls and Springbok No 8 Cameron Hanekom has revealed when he’s likely to make his long-awaited return to action.

Bulls and Springbok No 8 Cameron Hanekom has revealed when he’s likely to make his long-awaited return to action.

The 23-year-old loose forward has been out since tearing a hamstring tendon in the URC semi-final against the Sharks in June – an injury that not only ruled him out of the final against Leinster but also ended his Springbok season before it began.

“The rehab is going well, and I started running a few weeks ago, so the return date is getting closer. I’m starting to see the silver lining,” Hanekom told reporters at the launch of pick and pay collectables campaign in Joburg.

I should be playing in a month or so. Roughly, it will be the Lions game [at Loftus on 29 November] or the game after [the Bulls’ Champions Cup opener against Bordeaux Bègles at Loftus on 6 December].”

He admitted that watching the Boks from afar was tough.

“In the beginning, it was very difficult to watch the Springboks. I was very emotional watching and knowing there was a chance I could have been there. I felt a bit sorry for myself, but nobody could pick me up better than I could. So I started taking the small wins and controlling what I could.”

Hanekom has used his time out wisely.

“I could train my upper body, and I have tried hard to build more muscle and get my size up. The running will come when it comes, but now I can work on getting stronger to get faster.”