The giant 6ft 6in lock has been ruled out for six-months following the injury he picked up in his first week at the region. He only arrived at the Liberty Stadium in September after his switch from Super Rugby’s Stormers, but will have to wait to make his Ospreys bow.
The good news is that the 27-year-old will not need surgery on the tear and is expected to be back to his best at the tail-end of the season. After taking expert medical opinion, Medical Performance Manager, Chris Towers, was able to confirm the diagnosis.
He said: “De Kock Steenkamp suffered a ruptured Achilles. It is a significant injury but, fortunately, he doesn’t require surgery.
“We are looking at a best case scenario of a six month rehab period, but there is no reason why he shouldn’t make a full recovery from this injury.”
The former Stormer was brought in to the Ospreys ranks to add experience and cover for the influential Alun Wyn Jones during international periods. He was handed a three-year deal at the Swansea region after impressing in Eben Etzebeth’s absence.
The Western Province man gained a reputation as a hard-nosed and uncompromising figure a hard-working approach. He stole 14 line-outs from opposition ball in the last Super 15 season, a figure bettered only by Crusaders and All Blacks’ lock Sam Whitelock.
Steenkamp had penned a contract extension at the South African franchise before he secured an early release to link-up with Steve Tandy at the PRO12 side. The second-row hopes to qualify for the Wales national team, with current eligibility rules meaning that he will be available at the end of his Ospreys deal.
