Western Province hooker Scarra Ntubeni has been ruled out for between six and nine months after suffering an Achilles tendon injury against the Sharks at Newlands.

Ntubeni left the field in the 12th minute of the Currie Cup match, which WP won 34-27.

'Scarra's Achilles tendon injury is serious. It will be a long time before we see him on a rugby field again,' said WP coach John Dobson.

With Bongi Mbonambi part of the Springbok squad, WP will have to rely on two loan players, Neil Rautenbach (Cheetahs) and Martin Ferreira (Kings).

Meanwhile, flank Sikhumbuzo Notshe has also ruled out for the next three to four weeks after consulting a specialist regarding his ankle. Prop Oli Kebble has a hip flexor injury, but along with wing Khanyo Ngcukana (neck injury) and flyhalf Jean-Luc du Plessis (ankle injury), could be available towards the home stretch of the Currie Cup season.

Centre Huw Jones will not be available for the clash with the Golden Lions in Johannesburg on Friday due to an ongoing hamstring strain, but loose forwards Rynhardt Elstadt and Nizaam Carr will both return to training this week.

Photo: Johan Rynners/Gallo Images