Springbok Damian Willemse set to miss Ireland series

South Africa are set to be without Damian Willemse for their upcoming Test series against Ireland, with the versatile back believed to be out for up to four months due to a finger injury.

The World Cup winner suffered the injury in the opening minute of the Stormers' 16-12 win against Connacht in Galway last Saturday, but played through the pain as his side maintained their play-off drive with a narrow win.

According to reports in South Africa, the 40-cap Springbok suffered ligament damage in his finger which will require surgery, and is expected to rule him out for around four months, which includes the remainder of the URC season, as well as South Africa's series with Ireland and the Rugby Championship.

The 26-year-old was instrumental in South Africa's World Cup win, starting six of their seven games in France last year, five of those coming at full-back.

It's another injury blow for the world champions, who have already seen loosehead prop Steven Kitshoff undergo surgery on a knee injury, while centre Lukhanyo Am is also a concern.

The Springboks host Ireland in a two-Test series, beginning on Saturday 6 July at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, before they finish the series at Kings Park in Durban on Saturday 13 July.

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