Jake White has lauded the impact No 8 Elrigh Louw has made for the Vodacom Bulls so far this season, saying the player must be close to getting a call-up to the Springbok squad.

Louw has been a pivotal part of the Bulls’ success in recent months and he was justly rewarded when named the Currie Cup Player of the Year for 2021.

Two days after scooping the prestigious award, the 22-year-old produced another industrious performance in his side’s 34-10 United Rugby Championship win over the Lions at Ellis Park this past Saturday.

And, according to White, Louw has now played himself into contention for selection for the national squad this year.

“It was answered this week when he was awarded the Currie Cup Player of the Year award,” White told Sport24.

“He’s close to being picked because you can’t be the best player in the Currie Cup and not be picked.

“He’s growing every time, he’s really young and he’ll get better and better. There was the run he got at the kick-off where he ran over someone and we got some great momentum.

“His work at the back of the lineout was outstanding. He’s going to come through, but we just need to manage him properly.”