Springbok and Lions prop Julian Redelinghuys underwent neck surgery in Bloemfontein on Sunday and could be discharged from hospital later this week.

Redelinghuys was stretchered off the field in the 44th minute of the Currie Cup semi-final in Bloemfontein after a nasty collision with Cheetahs hooker Torsten van Jaarsveld. He was later diagnosed with a level C5/6 neck dislocation.

'Julian's operation went well on Sunday morning. He had a fusion at C5/6 level. If all goes well, he should be able to return home later this week,' said Lions team doctor Rob Collins.

According to the Lions, Redelinghuys had minimal temporary weakness of his left arm. He was in traction and the urgency of the operation was to reduce and stabilise the dislocation.

Photo: Wessel Oosthuizen/Gallo Images