Injured Springbok captain Eben Etzebeth is unlikely to feature for the Stormers during the 2018 Super Rugby season.

The 67-Test Bok enforcer lock suffered a neck injury during South Africa’s 24-22 loss against Wales on the year-end tour of Europe. Sources who have insight into the player’s medical status have confirmed that Etzebeth will be unavailable until at least April, with a conservative return date set for May.

This is excellent news for the Boks as they shape plans for an incoming three-Test series against England in Joburg, Bloemfontein and Cape Town in June. But it would have been a bitter pill to swallow for the Stormers whose Super Rugby league schedule wraps up on May 26 against the Lions at Newlands.

The Cape-based franchise definitely won’t have Etzebeth in tow when they jet off for a three-match tour of Australia and New Zealand in February to take on the Waratahs, Highlanders and Crusaders.