Durban - Sharks centre Tim Whitehead has been ruled out of Saturday’s Super Rugby final against the Chiefs due to injury, the franchise confirmed on Monday.

The midfielder sustained a broken hand during the Durban side's 26-19 semi-final victory over the Stormers on Saturday and did not travel with the rest with his team-mates to Sydney on Sunday.

No replacement would be named, according to the Sharks, with the squad now cut down to 23 players.

The team had received a welcome boost ahead of the competition finale after Springbok back Patrick Lambie and junior Bok Paul Jordaan were included in the touring squad on Sunday after recovering from injuries, with both capable of playing at centre.

The Sharks have based themselves at Coogee Beach in Sydney for their initial preparations and will make their way across to Hamilton, New Zealand, on Thursday.