News24 | PICTURES | Seabelo Senatla back in training after career-threatening car crash

Seabelo Senatla back in Stormers training in Bellville on 6 May 2024 (Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)

When Seabelo Senatla was involved in a horrific car accident in May 2023, those close to him feared that his rugby career was over. 

Senatla had suffered serious muscle and nerve damage to his arm, and at the time, the prognosis was that he would have to overcome mountains to ever stand a chance of playing again. 

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Now, a year later, the 31-year-old former Sevens star looks to be very much on the comeback trail. 

Senatla was pictured getting through a full Stormers training session at their Bellville headquarters on Monday ahead of the squad’s departure for back-to-back away United Rugby Championship (URC) assignments against Dragons and Connacht. 

He is not part of the touring group and will almost certainly not feature this season, but it is understood that Senatla is now in with a real chance of returning to action next season in what would complete a remarkable recovery. 

Senatla was a key member of the Stormers side that won the 2021/22 URC title and he remained a vital cog up until he was ruled out of action ahead of last season’s quarter-finals. 

The Stormers have been blessed with quality wing options in Senatla’s absence, with all of Leolin Zas, Suleiman Hartzenberg and Ben Loader enjoying good seasons. 

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