Lock RG Snyman will reportedly have to undergo a skin graft after sustaining burns to his knee during a “fire-pit accident” in Ireland last month.

News broke last month that Munster’s Bok duo – Snyman and Damian de Allende – had sustained burns to their legs, hands and face after being involved in an accident along with two other Munster teammates Mike Haley and CJ Stander.

The quartet required treatment for burns following the incident, but while the latter two had superficial burns, the Bok pair sustained more substantial burns, and after seeing a local specialist since returning home to South Africa it has now been reported that the burns to Snyman’s knee had been more severe than initially believed.

According to Netwerk24, the knee burns had not healed as quickly as expected and a burn specialist has recommended Snyman undergo a skin transplant which could rule him out of the Tests against the British & Irish Lions.

While De Allende is yet to partake in any training with the Springbok squad due to his burns, he’s recovery process is on track and he is expected to be available for selection for the three-Test series.

Snyman’s setback could be another blow to Springboks’ second-row stocks, especially now that there is uncertainty surrounding Eben Etzebeth’s availability after he had sustained an injury in the Test against Georgia and was forced to leave the field.

Etzebeth will receive more clarity on the severity of his injury on Monday.

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