The Springboks are set to be without Frans Steyn for the outgoing tour to Europe after the veteran centre picked up a knee injury while in action for the Cheetahs.

According to OFM Sport, Steyn could be ruled out up until the end of December with the injury, which would also keep him out of the Cheetahs’ European Challenge Cup campaign openers.

Steyn only made his return from a hamstring strain during the away leg of the Rugby Championship, playing off the bench three times, before starting at flyhalf in the final-round match against Argentina in Durban.

The 35-year-old played a crucial role for the Springboks during last year’s end-of-year tour, putting in a Man of the Match performance in the 23-18 win over Wales in Cardiff.

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