Johannesburg - Bulls prop Rossouw de Klerk will miss the start of the 2012 Super Rugby season due to a foot injury.
De Klerk, who was a regular fixture for the Bulls in 2011, will only be available at the end of May after undergoing an operation to his foot, team doctor Org Strauss confirmed.
"He sustained the injury during Currie Cup and it turned out that an operation was the best option. Unfortunately this also means an extended time on the sidelines. If all goes well, he will be back late May, early June."
No replacement has been called for De Klerk in the Bulls' wider training squad yet.