South Africa hooker Malcolm Marx will return home for scans on a groin injury he suffered playing Super Rugby for the Lions in Wellington on Saturday, raising doubts about his availability for the June Test series against England.

The 23-year-old, South Africa's first-choice since the international retirement of Adriaan Strauss in 2016, lasted just nine minutes of the Lions' 28-19 loss to the Hurricanes in the New Zealand capital.

"It was a big setback for us to lose Malcolm so early in the match," said Lions coach Swys de Bruin.

"He will definitely fly back on Monday and will do his scans in Johannesburg."

If he is sidelined for a lengthy period, Marx's influence will be missed by South Africa when England tour the region in June.

Generally considered a dynamic ball carrier, Marx has added an accurate lineout throw to his repertoire in the last couple of seasons - a key factor for a Springboks side which has always relied on solid set-piece possession.

South Africa face Wales in Washington on June 2 before tests three Tests against England in Johannesburg, Bloemfontein and Cape Town.

All three Tests between South Africa and England will be shown live on Sky Sports.