Young tyro Canan Moodie to miss SA Under-20 Euro trip because of jaw injury

Young Bulls outside back Canan Moodie will miss the South African Under-20 trip to Europe after being injured in the United Rugby Championship final on Saturday.

Moodie, who was part of the Under-20 group that won the International Series last year, was going to be a key figure in Bafana Nhleko's group for the Summer Series in Italy later this month, injured his jaw while on Bulls duty in the URC final against the Stormers.

Moodie has been replaced by Latica Nela from the sevens programme, while Nhleko also saw Sacha Mngomezulu and Reinhardt Ludwig come back from their URC final shift.

Nhleko was disappointed to lose Moodie's services but said his injuries are part and parcel of rugby.

"Canan is an exciting rugby talent, and having had the privilege of working with him last year, I am not surprised by the strides he has made this season with the Bulls," Nhleko said.

"Unfortunately, injuries are part of the game, and his withdrawal now gives Latica an opportunity to be part of the tour."