Bulls lock Lood de Jager will miss the rest of the Vodacom Super Rugby season because of a shoulder injury, but could still go to the World Cup with the Springboks.

De Jager sustained the injury during the Bulls’ match against the Jaguares in Buenos Aires, and was only expected to be out of action for a couple of weeks.

However, the damage is worse than initially thought and the Bulls captain will have to undergo surgery.

While initial reports on Monday claimed De Jager would miss the rest of the 2019 season, he will only be sidelined for between four to five months, according to Bulls doctor Herman Rossouw.

De Jager could therefore return to action in July or August, with the World Cup set to start in September.

RG Snyman is only expected back in three weeks’ time, so Eli Snyman, who started against the Lions at Ellis Park last weekend, should retain the Bulls No 5 jersey.

Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix