Jaco Kriel has been ruled out of the Springboks' end-of-year tour after sustaining a knee injury in Japan, while Jannie du Plessis has been withdrawn from the squad.

It was confirmed on Thursday that Kriel sustained a grade-two tear of his left MCL in action for his Japanese club this past weekend, and has returned to Johannesburg for treatment. He will be sidelined for approximately four weeks.

Meanwhile, the Boks also announced that Du Plessis has been withdrawn from the squad due to personal reasons, with his wife expected to give birth to the couple’s third child in early November. 

As a result of the duo's unavailability, Bok coach Allister Coetzee stated that flank Nizaam Carr and prop Lourens Adriaanse will remain with the Springbok squad for the entire end-of-year tour.

'Jannie and I had a good conversation on Wednesday evening and he still has a burning desire to be part of the Springboks. However, due to his current personal circumstances, he unfortunately had to withdraw from the squad,' Coetzee commented. 

'Jannie has a wealth of experience, he still has a lot to offer and he stays part of our plans. I want to wish him and his wife well as they are looking forward to welcome a third addition to their family.'

The Springboks will have their final training session on home soil on Friday morning before flying out to London in the early evening.

Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images