Springboks prop Trevor Nyakane has been ruled out the remainder of the Rugby World Cup in Japan, the team have confirmed.
Nyakane suffered a torn calf during the Springboks 23-13 loss to New Zealand on Saturday and will now head home for treatment with there being no clear timeline for his return.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus has expressed his disappointment for Nyakane while also welcoming Thomas du Toit to the squad as his replacement.
“It’s very tough on Trevor. He has had a great season and added value whenever he took the field. It’s a blow to him and the team, but it’s also an opportunity for Thomas and for Vincent [Koch] who now have the chance to step up,” he said.
Du Toit, who plays for the Sharks was on a short-term loan with French Top 14 side Toulouse as of late, but was there on World Cup standby having previously been with the Boks squad right until they left for Japan.
The 24-year-old, 10-time capped Springboks is expected to arrive on Tuesday and will come in as one of five props in the squad alongside Vincent Koch, Tendai Mtawarira, Frans Malherbe and Steven Kitshoff.
They will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they face Namibia in their next game on Saturday as they look to put some points on the board in Pool B.
