Jean de Villiers will be out of action for at least eight months, casting a huge doubt over the South Africa captain’s availability for the World Cup in England next year.

The former Munster player will have surgery after twisting his left knee and dislocating the knee cap in the 12-6 loss to Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

With the World Cup starting on September 18th, Springboks team doctor Craig Roberts would not put a definite time-frame on the 33-year-old centre's recovery period.

“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,” Roberts said in an SARU press release.

“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.”