Frans Steyn and Bismarck du Plessis have been ruled out of the series against England due to injuries sustained in the Top 14 final.

On Monday, Bok coach Rassie Erasmus said that Steyn and Du Plessis were unavailable for the first Test against England in Johannesburg and that the pair would join the squad after completing medical tests in France.

It was hoped that the experienced hooker and centre would link up with the team ahead of the second Test in Bloemfontein. Erasmus suggested that both would be pushed into the starting lineup for that crucial fixture.

On Wednesday afternoon, SA Rugby confirmed that Du Plessis and Steyn had failed their respective medical tests and that they would no longer be available for the second and third games against England.

‘Hooker Bismarck du Plessis and centre Frans Steyn have been withdrawn from the Springbok group because of injury,’ a statement read.

‘Both players sustained the injuries while playing club rugby in France last weekend. Both went for further investigations and specialist opinions and it was decided to rather withdraw them from the Springbok squad for the incoming series against England.’

SA Rugby is yet to confirm the nature of Steyn and Du Plessis’ injuries.

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