De Villiers' surgery on broken jaw successful

06:05 - 01 October 2015

South Africa's Jean de Villiers attempts to avoid the tackle by Argentina's Marcelo Bosch (L) during their Championship rugby union test match in Durban, August 8 2015. REUTERS/Rogan Ward

“It went well with the operation. He had his wisdom teeth removed and a plate inserted in the jaw,” Springboks doctor Craig Roberts said.

South Africa captain Jean de Villiers had surgery on a broken jaw on Wednesday and was discharged within hours, officials said.

De Villiers returned home form the Rugby World Cup on Monday after breaking his jaw in the Springboks’ 46-6 victory over Samoa in Birmingham on Saturday.

It was the latest in a series of injury setbacks for the 34-year-old centre, who has since announced his retirement from test rugby.

De Villiers said on Tuesday he hoped to return to England within a fortnight to support his team mates at the tournament.