The Bulls have been dealt a major blow with the news that Gurthro Steenkamp will play no further part in their Super Rugby campaign.
Arm injury rules Bulls prop out of Super Rugby campaign
The Bulls have been dealt a major blow with the news that prop Gurthro Steenkamp has been ruled out of the remainder of the Super Rugby season.
With Steenkamp having signed for French Top 14 outfit Toulouse after the World Cup, the news effectively brings an end the Springbok's successful six-year stay with the Pretoria-based side.
Steenkamp - South Africa's player of the year in 2010 - suffered a broken arm against the Stormers in March.
After seeing a specialist on Tuesday it was revealed that the 29-year old will remain out of action for longer than expected.
"Gurthro saw the specialist on Tuesday for his follow-up consultation, but the news was not that good," said Bulls team doctor Org Strauss.
"His arm is recovering, but slower than was initially expected and slower than we thought it would."
"The decision was taken with the World Cup in mind," Strauss added.
Bulls coach Frans Ludeke admitted the news was a blow, but was confident that the Bulls' depth would be able to cover for Steenkamp's absence.
"He is world-class, we all know that and has been playing very good rugby in the last couple of seasons," said Ludeke.
"But injuries are part and parcel of the game and one cannot escape those. He will have a huge role to play for South Africa later in the year and we recognized that."
"We are quite pleased with the way Dean Greyling has stepped into that role and hope that he can continue to do so."
