A torn biceps has ruled Morné van den Berg out for up to six months, leaving the Lions without their star scrumhalf for next weekend's historic URC quarter-final.

An 18-month doping ban for Asenathi Ntlabakanye and a torn biceps for Morne van den Berg have thrown a major spanner into the Springboks' winter planning.

Lions flank Ruan Venter is not only out of the Lions' URC campaign but will not feature for the Springboks this year after having been in Rassie Erasmus's plans.

A torn biceps has ruled Morné van den Berg out for up to six months, leaving the Lions without their star scrumhalf for next weekend's historic URC quarter-final.