South African Rugby
Springboks to tour without Olivier
ESPNscrum Staff
October 20, 2010
South Africa's Wynand Olivier runs with the ball, New Zealand v South Africa, Tri-Nations, Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, July 10, 2010
Wynand Olivier will miss South Africa's tour © Getty Images
Enlarge

Bulls centre Wynand Olivier has been forced to withdraw from South Africa's Grand Slam tour attempt with a groin injury.

The midfielder will undergo surgery to correct the problem and will be out of action for four to five weeks following the procedure, meaning that he joins Western Province centre Jaque Fourie on the sidelines for the tour.

Olivier is hopeful of being back in action in time for the opening round of next season's Super Rugby campaign.

"It's an injury that I have been struggling with for at least four or five weeks now and it almost kept me out of the Currie Cup semi-final last weekend," Olivier told SuperSport.

"While it is disappointing to not be considered for the tour at the end of the year, I believe it is the right decision to undergo the operation now and ensure that I'm fit and ready for the season next year. We have the Super Rugby competition and the World Cup next year."

Peter De Villiers will name his final squad after the Currie Cup final on October 30, with John Smit, Gurthro Steenkamp, Fourie du Preez, Andries Bekker and Heinrich Brussow also missing through injury.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.