Shizuoka’s Damian Markus undergoes surgery

Shizuoka Blue Revs starlet Damian Markus has undergone surgery and will miss the rest of the League One season.

Markus, 21, whose wonder tries for South Africa’s u20s saw him earn comparisons to countryman and fellow scrum cap-wearing wing Cheslin Kolbe, has made four appearances in his inaugural League One season.

The ex-Stormers pocket rocket was recruited after impressing during a pre-season trial in Japan.

Markus sustained a fibular fracture, posterior malleolar fracture, and distal tibiofibular ligament injury on 18 January as the hosts shocked champions Toshiba Brave Lupus and has successfully undergone surgery.  

Yuichiro Fujii’s high-flying Shizuoka sit fourth in League One’s top-flight and, with the season at the halfway point, are major play-off contenders this season.

Marcus will be de-registered from the club’s squad for the 2024/25 campaign.

Shizuoka has been boosted by the arrival of scrum-half Sanele Nohamba, 26, from URC outfit the Lions after his now employers confirmed his long-anticipated arrival today.

Ex-South Africa u18 and u20 international Nohamba, who can also play at fly-half, won the URC Player of the Season award and the Lions’ Player of the Year award last season.

The Blue Revs boast a strong South African contingent including inspirational captain Kwagga Smith, flanker Simon Miller and utility-back Sylvian Mahuza.

Nohamba’s new side host Franco Mostert's fellow play-off contenders Honda Heat at Yamaha Stadium on Sunday 2 March.  

Picture courtesy of JRLO