Willemse undergoes emergency surgery on his appendix

Southern Kings hooker Michael Willemse is set to miss the side's next three matches following an emergency operation on Tuesday night.

The 24-year-old was rushed to hospital in George late on Tuesday for an emergency operation to have his appendix removed.

Willemse joins fellow front rower Justin Forwood who also suffered a long-term injury this week. 

Team doctor, Konrad von Hagen, confirmed on Wednesday that the operation was successful and that Willemse will be out of action for up to six weeks.

"The operation to remove Michael Willemse’s appendix was a success. We will monitor his recovery closely. He is likely to miss our next three matches as the period of recuperation from such a procedure can be up to six weeks," Dr Von Hagen said.

The hooker joins the Kings injury list that includes prop Justin Forwood(ACL), lock Cameron Lindsay (knee), prop Schalk Ferreira (biceps), scrum-half Rudi van Rooyen (ankle) and full-back Malcolm Jaer (knee).