Watson suffered a rib injury in his Springbok debut last month against Samoa at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

The injury meant he could not be considered for selection for the two home internationals in the Vodacom Tri-Nations competition.

Unfortunately the player suffered a recurrence of the injury in his comeback-match for the Vodacom Western Province against the Golden Lions in the opening round of the 2007 Absa Currie Cup competition.

Following a medical assessment, Watson was then ruled out of action for between 7 and 10 days. On Tuesday the player underwent a further medical assessment and also a fitness test under supervision of his provincial team’s doctor, which he passed.

Andy Marinos, Manager of National Team at SA Rugby, said Watson was not included in the Springbok squad for the away-leg of the Vodacom Tri-Nations Tests due to the uncertainty of his time of recovery and fitness.

“The national selectors, after consultation with our medical team, decided that from a player welfare point of view it would be better for Luke to continue his recovery in Cape Town. However, he has now recovered fully and is available to play for his province,” said Marinos.