Deon Fourie's long-awaited comeback cruelly cut short by fresh injury blow

Fourie, who had only just recovered from a broken tibia suffered in a URC match against Connacht back in April, lasted just a few minutes against Scarlets before going down clutching his arm.

Initial fears were confirmed after the match, with coach John Dobson revealing that the 38-year-old flank had suffered a serious bicep injury that will require surgery and sideline him for several months.

"Deon's devastated," Dobson said. "There were a lot of tears in the change room. He'll go home for surgery."

The setback is not only a blow to the Stormers' URC campaign, but also a concern for Springbok selectors, given Fourie's leadership and versatility in the loose forward department.

Adding to the Stormers' injury woes, tighthead prop Sazi Sandi is also expected to spend time on the sidelines after picking up a knock.

"Sazi will get scanned, but for now he's out," Dobson confirmed. "That's three tightheads down - Frans (Malherbe), Neethling (Fouche) and now Sazi."

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