Stegmann adds to Bulls woes

Cape Town - The Blue Bulls have received another blow with the news that flank Deon Stegmann will miss the 2013 Absa Currie Cup season.

A medical test on Wednesday revealed shoulder trouble for Stegmann and he will be operated on next week.

Bulls team doctor Org Strauss said the 27-year-old won't play rugby this year.

This follows on from Wednesday's news that scrumhalf Francois Hougaard will also miss the rest of the season due to an ankle injury.

The Bulls also confirmed on Tuesday that eight key players will be leaving the union with immediate effect.

The departing players are:
 
• Juandre Kruger (11 Tests, 0 points; 31 Super Rugby caps, 5 points, 40 provincial caps,40 points) – to Racing Metro, France

• Jacques Potgieter (3 Tests, 0 points; 23 Super Rugby caps, 20 points; 28 provincial matches, 45 points) – to Fukuoka Sanix Blues, Japan

• Dewald Potgieter (6 Tests, 5 points; 67 Super Rugby caps, 20 points; 58 provincial matches, 50 points) to Yamaha RFC, Japan

• Chiliboy Ralepelle (21 Tests, 5 points; 69 Super Rugby caps, 20 points; 26 provincial matches, 20 points), to Toulouse, France

• Jano Vermaak (1 Test, 0 points; 104 Super Rugby caps, 97 points; 89 provincial matches, 143 points) to Toulouse, France

• Morne Steyn (45 Tests, 530 points; 123 Super Rugby caps, 1449 points; 95 provincial matches, 806 points), to Stade Francais, France

• Zane Kirchner (24 Tests, 15 points; 82 Super Rugby caps, 105 points; 101 provincial caps 209 points) to Leinster, Ireland

• Wynand Olivier (37 Tests, 5 points; 110 Super Rugby caps, 145 points; 72 provincial matches, 130 points), to Montpellier, France