Cape Town - The Stormers have received a massive blow with the news that centre and captain Jean de Villiers has injured ligaments in his hand.

According to Die Burger, there are fears that De Villiers could be out for a couple of months, which will also be a big blow to the Springboks who play England in a three-Test series in June.

De Villiers was expected to play in Bok coach Heyneke Meyer's team with Meyer indicating on Monday he will look for experienced players when picking his team to face the English.

Wing Danie Poolman boarded a plane for Australia on Monday to replace De Villiers.

The Stormers are busy preparing to face the defending champions, the Reds, in Brisbane on Friday.

De Villiers's absence leaves Stormers coach Allister Coetzee with a tough decision, as regular captain Schalk Burger is also currently sidelined with a knee injury and only expected back in May.

Andries Bekker is the Stormers' vice-captain but he injured his lower back against the Crusaders and will miss the clash against the Reds.

Eightman Duane Vermeulen, hooker Tiaan Liebenberg and scrumhalf Dewaldt Duvenage are the other leaders in the group who could be considered for captain.