Vodacom Bulls flanker Dewald Potgieter has been ruled out for the remainder of the Super Rugby tournament.

Potgieter injured his bicep in the Bulls' match against the Hurricanes in Wellington. He was forced to return to South Africa, and has since undergone surgery.

The Bulls have now confirmed that he will be out of action for six months.

Deon Stegmann was injured in the same fixture, and is expected to have groin surgery next week. The Bulls are hoping that the openside flanker will be back for the final rounds of the league stage.

The Bulls have already lost several key forwards to long-term injuries. Pierre Spies (bicep), Arno Botha (knee) and Frik Kirsten (neck) are not expected to return any time soon.

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