Louw Opens Up On Tough Period Along With His Father’s Passing

During a difficult period in his personal life, Springbok prop Wilco Louw says the support he received from the national team has left him refreshed, healthy and ready to contribute after coach Rassie Erasmus granted him time away from the squad.

Erasmus revealed earlier this week that Louw had been given leave to spend time with his family following a challenging few months off the field, with the Bulls front-rower expressing his gratitude for the understanding shown by the Springbok management.

In April, Louw suffered a devastating loss when his father, Marius, passed away. He described him as his best friend and mentor.

“This will be my first Test without my dad. It was so sad to lose him, but I’m thankful to him. We were unbelievable friends. He instilled a love of rugby in me. It’s a privilege to represent him in the things I do,” Louw said.

“My mother played just as big a role in my life, and now that my dad is no longer here, she still does.”

Louw said the time away from rugby allowed him to be with his loved ones during a difficult period.

“I appreciated the time I got to spend with my family,” he said.

“It has been a challenging year since January. It’s incredible being part of a team that supports you, not only when you are wearing rugby boots but through all phases of life.”

The experienced prop believes the culture within the Springbok environment extends far beyond performances on the field, with teammates and management rallying around one another during life’s toughest moments.

“To have an incredible team who really look out for each other, supporting you and your family, means a lot,” he said.

Louw also revealed that illness hampered him towards the end of the United Rugby Championship season, but he has now fully recovered ahead of the Springboks’ upcoming Test commitments.

“I was a bit sick in the last few games of the URC and was battling the flu, but I am feeling better and healthy again,” he confirmed.

Saturday’s match against Scotland will also be Louw’s final Test at Loftus Versfeld before he returns to Cape Town to join the Stormers.

“I’ve got a soft spot for this place,” he said. “They looked after me very well, especially when my family needed me. Loftus is a fortress, not just for the Bulls but for South Africa.”

Despite the challenges he has faced this year, Louw says representing South Africa remains a privilege he never takes for granted.

“It’s been a tough year, but it’s an honour to be here,” he said.

The 31-year-old now returns to the Springbok fold fully fit and refreshed, eager to repay the faith shown in him by Erasmus and his teammates as South Africa look to secure a second successive victory in the inaugural Nations Championship.