Schalk Burger ruled out of Ireland series

2:43 PM GMT

South Africa will be without back-row Schalk Burger for the three-Test series against Ireland.

Stormers flanker Burger injured his ankle against the Bulls and is likely to be out for between four and five weeks.

The news will come as a bitter blow for the Boks with Burger, who has 86 caps, one of their most experienced forwards.

"Schalk Burger is out and will miss the Bok Tests, and we hope that we will back for the Rebels game [Jul. 2]," Stormers coach Robbie Fleck said. "It is a big blow for him as he still has strong Springbok ambitions.

"I'm sure that he would've had a few discussions with Allister [Coetzee, Springboks coach] this week, but for us, we want him back for the Rebels game."

Burger, 33, will leave the Stormers at the end of the season to take up a contract at Saracens.

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Schalk Burger ruled out of Ireland series