Springbok Scrum-Half Ruled Out Following Bicep Surgery

Springbok and Lions scrum-half Morne van den Berg will miss four to six months following bicep surgery, ruling him out of the 2026 United Rugby Championship play-offs and South Africa’s upcoming Test series against the All Blacks.

The Lions halfback, who has enjoyed another influential season, is expected to be sidelined for four to six months. His absence rules him out of Springbok contention for upcoming fixtures, including the Rugby Championship and the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks.

For the Lions — currently preparing in Dublin for their first-ever United Rugby Championship play-off appearance — the injury adds to an already growing list of setbacks ahead of a daunting quarter-final against defending champions Leinster.

Utility forward Ruan Venter has also undergone surgery and faces an extended spell on the sidelines of six to nine months, while centre Bronson Mills remains injured.

Prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye is currently serving a ban, further stretching squad depth.

There is, however, some positive news for the Johannesburg-based side, with captain Francke Horne expected to return from a hamstring strain. Henco van Wyk is also recovering from an ankle injury, while Richard Kriel has been cleared to return after a head injury assessment (HIA) sustained against Munster.

Van den Berg’s injury comes at an unfortunate time for the Springboks, who are already contending with a shortage of experienced scrum-halves. Stormers scrum-half Cobus Reinach is sidelined long-term, while the Sharks duo of Grant Williams — who is managing a neck issue — and Jaden Hendrikse have faced ongoing concerns following a series of concussions.

However, the Springboks remain well-stocked in the position, with opportunities likely to arise for in-form Bulls scrum-half Embrose Papier and rising Lions talent Haashim Pead, who was previously named Junior World Player of the Year. Two-time Rugby World Cup winner Faf de Klerk, currently playing in Japan, also remains in contention after returning to strong form.

While the injuries present a challenging period for both the Lions and the Springboks, they also open the door for emerging talent to step up and establish themselves on the big stage.