South Africa centre Damian de Allende has been ruled out for the next three months after sustaining a serious ankle injury in the Super Rugby match against the Bulls, the Stormers confirmed on Tuesday.

A scan confirmed a lengthy absence for the 25-year-old, who has won 22 caps for the Springboks and is expected to be back before the three-Test series at home against France in June.

De Allende had shown good touches as the Stormers beat the Bulls 37-24 at Newlands on Saturday before going off with injury.

The midfielder joins Scarra Ntubeni (achilles), Leolin Zas (leg) and Juan de Jongh (knee) on the Stormers injury list.