Cape Town - The Lions have confirmed that backline player Jaco Taute will be out of action for at least a month, which rules him out of possible selection for the Springbok series against England.

Taute is part of coach Heyneke Meyer's initial Springbok training group ahead of the England series, but a shoulder injury he picked up against the Force on Saturday means he cannot be considered for Springbok selection.

The first Test against England starts in Durban on June 9, followed by Tests in Johannesburg (June 16) and Port Elizabeth (June 23).

According to Beeld, the 21-year-old who moved from fullback to centre to help the Lions in their injury crisis, went for a scan on Monday to determine the exact extent of the injury but he is expected to be out for between four and five weeks.

His absence could see Butch James return at centre for the Lions' clash against the Sharks in Johannesburg on Saturday.

James has served his four-week suspension after he was banned for shoulder charging Brumbies lock Scott Fardy in their clash at Coca-Cola Park on April 27.

Their clash against the Sharks kicks off at 17:05 on Saturday.