Francois Louw has been ruled out of the Springboks' end-of-year tour to Europe with a hamstring injury.

Louw was injured in the 12th minute of South Africa's humiliating 57-15 loss against the All Blacks a fortnight ago. While the Boks' medical staff failed to give an update on the severity of Louw's injury, his English club Bath told Sport24 that the 31-year-old will be out for up to 10 weeks and may only return to action in 2017.

Louw's injury-enforced absence may see Jaco Kriel promoted to the Bok starting lineup. The Boks will face the Barbarians on 5 November. Thereafter, they will play Tests against England, Italy and Wales.

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