The Vodacom Bulls will reportedly be without the services of a key game-driver and leader when they return to action in the Vodacom URC at the end of November.
According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, Springbok lock Ruan Nortje is sidelined for six to eight weeks with a leg injury.
It leaves the Bulls without their co-captain for the URC clash against Connacht on 30 November, and potentially the Highveld derby against the Sharks on 21 December.
Nortje was injured during a Bok training session two weeks ago in Scotland and was subsequently sent home from the tour.
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According to Rapport’s sources, scans revealed that the 26-year-old will miss a critical stretch of the Bulls’ URC campaign.
Adding to coach Jake White’s selection headache, versatile forward Reinhardt Ludwig is also unavailable due to injury.
To address the shortage in the second row, the Bulls have once again brought in Deon Slabbert on loan from the Pumas. White also has options in Sintu Manjezi and JF van Heerden to bolster the lock stocks.
In more positive news, flyhalf Johan Goosen has recovered from a nose operation and is available for the Connacht clash.
Photo: Christiaan Kotze/Gallo Images
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