Francois Louw has been ruled out of the Springboks’ end-of-year tour to Europe with a hamstring injury.

Louw was injured in the 12th minute of South Africa’s humiliating 57-15 loss against the All Blacks in Durban a fortnight ago.

While the Boks’ medical staff failed to give an update on the severity of Louw’s injury, his English club Bath told Sport24.com that the 31-year-old will be out for up to 10 weeks and may only return to action in 2017.

Louw’s injury-enforced absence may see Jaco Kriel promoted to the Bok starting lineup.

The Boks will face the Barbarians on 5 November. Thereafter, they will play Tests against England, Italy and Wales.