Cape Town - Springbok and Lions wing Ruan Combrinck underwent successful shoulder surgery on Wednesday.
Combrinck, 26, played for the Springboks in last Saturday’s 27-13 defeat to Wales last Saturday, when he sustained a fracture in his shoulder joint.
He made his Springbok debut against Ireland in Johannesburg earlier this year and went on to win seven Test caps in 2016.
In mid-year, Combrinck was ruled out with a leg fracture suffered in South Africa’s second Rugby Championship match - against Argentina in Salta - which saw him miss the remainder of the tournament.
He returned to fitness for the Boks’ year-end tour where he played in the Tests against England, Italy and Wales.
Combrinck, who tweeted a picture after his operation on Wednesday, will be our of action for approximately four months, the Lions confirmed on Thursday meaning he's only likely to make an appearance for the Lions in next year's Super Rugby around Week 6.
Great success today. Thanx for the support!! All went well..Healing in Jesus name???? pic.twitter.com/yRcBfK4Xak
— Ruan Combrinck (@R_Combrinck15) November 30, 2016