Smit captained South Africa during their 2009 series win over the Lions

South Africa captain John Smit will miss the tour of Britain and Ireland after having a neck operation.

Smit underwent successful surgery in his home town of Durban to relieve pressure on the discs in his neck.

The 32-year-old hooker has been put on a conditioning programme and withdrawn from all rugby for three months.

"This was not a career threatening injury, but the timing was right for John to undergo surgery," said Craig Roberts, the Springboks' team doctor.

"He will now have a prolonged period of recovery in advance of the new season."

606: DEBATE Smit is unfortunately way off the pace now - great servant to South African and world rugby but doesn't have the legs for it anymore taylordg

Smit has played 102 Tests for the world champion Boks, 76 of them as captain.

He came under mounting criticism during South Africa's disastrous Tri-Nations campaign this summer, with many observers criticising slipping performance and fitness standards.

South Africa are undertaking a Grand Slam tour in November, playing all four Home Nations on consecutive weekends from 6-27 November.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version