Springboks captain Warren Whiteley out for two months
Tuesday 27 June 2017 10:57, UK
South Africa captain Warren Whiteley faces up to two months on the sidelines with a pelvis injury, ruling him out of the rest of the Super Rugby season and possibly the opening matches of the Rugby Championship.
The Lions No 8 was appointed Springbok captain for the three-Test tour by France this month and looked an inspired choice as South Africa won the first two Tests in convincing fashion.
However, he was hurt in the build-up to the third Test and had to pull out of the team on the eve of last Saturday's victory in Johannesburg.
The injury, sustained in lineout practice with the Boks, has now been confirmed as torn ligaments in the pelvis.
"We expect to rehabilitate him in six to eight weeks," Lions team doctor Rob Collins told reporters.
It will come as a serious blow to the Lions' hopes of Super Rugby success as they are well on course for next month's quarter-finals.
The 29-year-old Whiteley could also miss the start of the southern hemisphere Rugby Championship in August.
South Africa start with two Tests against Argentina, followed by matches against Australia and world champions New Zealand.
Get Sky Sports Day Pass and watch the Lions Tour live only on Sky Sports
