VERSATILE PROP COENIE Oosthuizen has been ruled out of the Rugby Championship and World Cup, after getting surgery on his recurring neck injury.

Oosthuizen, a vital part of the Springbok squad due to his ability to play both tight and loosehead will miss both tournaments after surgery to correct a neck injury.

Oosthuizen has had a history of neck and back injuries since making his debut for the Boks three years ago, and South Africa’s team doctor Craig Roberts has said he’ll be given as much time as he needs to get back playing.

He told South African TV station Netwerk24: “At the end of the day, a player needs to take care of his own interests.

“Coenie visited a very competent specialist and we decided he should make sure of his future in rugby.

“He will probably give up his dream to play in the World Cup this year, but at least he’ll be able to keep on playing.”

Oosthuizen history of neck injuries became a talking point for fans after he confirmed he would be joining the Sharks from the Cheetahs for next year’s Super Rugby.

He missed much of the 2012 Rugby Championship after damaging his neck earlier that summer, and after he injured it again in 2014 there were initial fears his career could be over.

However, this latest surgery to repair a protruding disc in his neck has ruled him out for the tournament, as well as casting fresh doubt over the powerful prop’s long-term future.

It’s the latest in a series of high profile neck injuries to front rows, with Cian Healy, Dave Wilson and Dan Cole all going under the knife to repair problems in the last 18 months, while a neck injury also forced Andrew Sheridan to retire in 2014.

In other injury news for the Boks, scrum-half Fourie du Preez faces up to six weeks on the sidelines with torn medial collateral ligaments in his knee, but is expected to be fit in time for the World Cup.