Juan de Jongh ruled out for South Africa's three-Test series

The Springboks are due to play Wales twice and Scotland once in a three-Test series in the coming weeks, and will do so with a heavily depleted squad.

De Jongh's absence was confirmed on Friday, and he joins fellow centres Jaque Fourie (ankle), Damian de Allende and captain Jean de Villiers (both knee) on the sidelines, while Frans Steyn has withdrawn over a pay dispute.

Eben Etzebeth (foot), Pat Lambie (bicep), Frans Malherbe (concussion), Scarra Ntubeni (foot), Frik Kirsten (neck), Pieter-Steph du Toit (knee), Franco van der Merwe (ankle), Arno Botha (knee), Pierre Spies (bicep), Louis Schreuder (hand) and Gio Aplon (elbow) are also unavailable for selection.

Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer rued the latest setback, telling South Africa rugby's official website: "Juan is the fifth centre we've lost in the last month and his versatility in the midfield will be missed.

"I've spoken to Juan and we wanted to give him a run during this series, as he's been in great form for the Stormers. At this stage he needs to focus on getting better and returning to the playing field, and I'm sure he will bounce back strongly."

Team doctor Craig Roberts added: "Unfortunately this infection really takes a severe toll on the body and although he has recovered sufficiently, he has been advised not to participate in vigorous physical activity for the next three to four weeks, which is why we've decided to rather send him home to Cape Town."

South Africa face Wales in Durban on Saturday and again a week later in Nelspruit, before Scotland provide the opposition in Port Elizabeth on June 28.