Franco van der Merwe has been ruled out for six months with an ankle injury.

The second rower was forced to leave the field during the Lions' match against the Reds last Saturday and underwent surgery yesterday. Like Pat Lambie, who injured a bicep against the Bulls, he will miss the rest of the Super Rugby season.

In some good news for the Joburg-based franchise, utility backs Coenie van Wyk and Deon van Rensburg are expected to be fit for the clash against the Crusaders next Saturday.

The Lions have a bye this weekend.

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images