Cape Town - The Stormers have been dealt another big injury blow with the news that loose forward Nick Koster is heading home from their Australasian tour.

The website, Rugby365.com, reports that Koster has a niggling knee injury.

Rugby 365 was reliably informed that the old knee injury which ruled Koster out for a 14-month period has been flaring up on tour, and despite efforts to manage it he has now been sent home early.

Nizaam Carr is expected to take Koster's place for their clash against the Force in Perth on Saturday.

The men from Cape Town have had a solid start to the season, with seven out of eight victories helping them to top spot in the South African conference and second spot on the overall log.

But injuries to key players have started to take its toll as they prepare for their last tour match against the Force.

On Monday they announced that wing/fullback Gio Aplon and eighthman Duane Vermeulen were on their way back to Cape Town.

Aplon has a hamstring strain and should be available for their next game against the Cheetahs at Newlands on May 12.

Vermeulen sustained a knee ligament injury late in the game against the Reds and will see a knee specialist in Cape Town for further assessment. But he is expected to be out for between four and six months.

Vermeulen captained the team in their 23-13 victory over the Reds last weekend and now becomes the third captain they have lost this season after Schalk Burger (knee) and Jean de Villiers (hand ligaments) were earlier casualties.

Burger may only return in July, with De Villiers expected to be ready for the clash against the Waratahs on May 19.

Lock Andries Bekker, who missed the Reds game due to a lower back injury, is expected to play against the Force.