Pitout fighting back after horror injury

South Africa Sevens winger Anton Pitout has won the first battle in a bid to save his leg after suffering a horrific injury at last year’s Dubai Sevens.

Pitout, who broke his leg in two places, was then hospitalised on his return to South Africa after an infection set in – and it was feared he could lose his leg.

But after four operations and three weeks in hospital, he was released on Tuesday to return to Kwazulu Natal, where his parents live.

“My leg is a lot better and I am busy winning the fight against the infection,” Pitout told Die Volksblad newspaper.

Pitout will miss the Super 12 series but is hoping to make a comeback in this year’s Currie Cup.

“I’m going to return to Bloemfontein on Friday and start a rehabilitation programme with an athletics coach. It is an individual programme to help me regain my strength,” he added.