Jean de Villiers out for at least eight months after horror injury

There is now a serious doubt about the Springbok captain being fit for the World Cup.

By now, you have probably seen the horrific knee injury sustained by Jean de Villiers against Wales at the weekend. If you haven't, we have it here but please be advised it is a tough watch. Today, the South African Rugby Union issued an update on the forrmer Munster man's knee. “We are currently consulting with the best specialists in South Africa to determine the best way to approach the surgery as there are potentially a few options available,” said Springbok team doctor Craig Roberts on Monday afternoon. “It’s imperative that the best course of action is decided on so that Jean can start recovery and rehabilitation as soon as possible to give him the best chance to be fit for the World Cup. “At this stage it’s still difficult to determine how long he will be out of action, but it would probably be at least eight months.” The report also says that De Villiers twisted his left knee and dislocated his knee cap in the incident, as well as suffering significant ligament damage. The minimum eight months would take him up to the start of August 2015, little over a month before the World Cup.