South Africa veteran Schalk Burger ruled out of Ireland series

Backrow suffered ankle injury during Super Rugby match for Stormers

Schalk Burger has been ruled out of South Africa’s home series against Ireland in June. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images

South Africa backrow Schalk Burger will miss next month's three-Test series against Ireland after sustaining an ankle problem that will sideline him for up to five weeks.

"He's a quality Springbok. The injury is a blow," his Stormers coach Robbie Fleck told a news conference on Thursday.

The 33-year-old flanker was hurt playing for the Stormers against the Bulls in a Super Rugby match in Pretoria on Saturday.

Burger, who has previously captained South Africa, has won 86 caps.