Bok centre to go under the knife

Cape Town - Cheetahs and Springbok centre Francois Venter will undergo an ankle operation in Johannesburg on Friday.

Venter injured his ankle in this year’s Currie Cup and the injury flared up again on the Springboks’ year-end European tour.

A spokesperson for the Cheetahs said Venter is expected to be out of action for at least three months, which means he’ll miss the Bloemfontein franchise’s first couple of Super Rugby games.

The 25-year-old made his Test debut against England at Twickenham last month, and also played in the internationals against Italy and Wales.

The Cheetahs start their Super Rugby campaign at home to the Lions on February 25, 2017.

They will also play two warm-up matches - against the Stormers in Harare (January 28) and Sharks in Durban (February 3).