Steenkamp was injured in a Currie Cup match against Western Province

Blue Bulls prop Gurthro Steenkamp has been ruled out of South Africa's tour of Europe after breaking his right arm.

The 29-year-old had an operation on the injury on Saturday and will be out of action for up to eight weeks.

Loose-head Steenkamp was one of the few players to impress for the Springboks as they lost their Tri-Nations title to New Zealand this season.

He joins fellow front-rower John Smit on the sidelines after the Boks skipper recently underwent surgery on his back.

South Africa face Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England next month, and the Barbarians on 4 December.

The out-of-form world champions are already without Bath fly-half Butch James, who has had shoulder surgery, and long-term injury absentees scrum-half Fourie du Preez and flanker Heinrich Brussow.

France-based full-back Francois Steyn is unlikely to tour after publicly criticising Springboks coach Peter de Villiers.

South Africa are also expected to rest some of their senior players so they are as fresh as possible for 2011, which is a World Cup year.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version