Stormers and South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth will be sidelined for 6-8 weeks and miss the start of the Super Rugby after tearing ligaments in his left ankle in a warm-up game.
The Stormers said the 6-foot-8 secondrower was injured when he landed awkwardly at a lineout.
“It’s unfortunate for the team and Eben but … injuries are part and parcel of the game,” said Coach Allister Coetzee.
The Stormers, who have lost a final and two semifinals in the past three years, open their season on February 22 against South African rivals the Bulls.
The 21-year-old Etzebeth was impressive for both his province and the Springboks last season, his first in Super and international rugby.