Damian de Allende has sustained a serious ankle injury while playing for the Kintetsu Liners in Japan and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The 24-year-old Stormers centre was injured over the weekend and could be ruled out for up to four months, Die Burger reported on Friday.

De Allende is one of several Springbok players who opted to play in the Japanese Top League during the off-season, and was expected to return to Stormers training at the end of January 2016. 

The injury setback not only affects the Stormers' forthcoming Vodacom Super Rugby campaign, but can also hinder De Allende's chances of featuring for the Blitzboks in the lead-up to the Olympics.

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