Duane Vermeulen ruled out three tour series

The Springboks have confirmed that No. 8 Duane Vermeulen has been ruled out of South Africa's three-match series against France.

Vermeulen sustained a shoulder injury in his club side Toulon in the Top 14 Final against Clermont on Sunday evening.

"Duane Vermeulen assessed by Springbok team doctor on Tuesday, referred to a shoulder specialist to determine whether surgery is needed," said the Springboks on their official Twitter account.

"However, the shoulder injury has ruled him out of action for the three-match series against France, which starts on Saturday in Pretoria."