Rugby: South Africa's Spies out of World Cup

Pierre Spies has clots on his lungs, ruling him out of rugby for up to eight months. Photo / Reuters

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa flanker Pierre Spies has been ruled out of the World Cup in France starting on September 8 because of clots on his lungs.

Spies, 22, was named as South Africa's most promising player last year and had been in tremendous form for the Bulls and the Springboks this year.

A statement from the South African team management on Monday said he was expected to be out for six to eight months.

"It would have been great to be in France, but I must accept that it is good that they diagnosed the problem much earlier. Matters could have been worse had I continued playing," Spies was quoted as saying in the statement.

Coach Jake White said Spies' absence was a devastating blow.

"It's a huge loss for the team," said White. "He is such a great player who would have played a huge role in our campaign in France. It would have been fascinating to see him in action with the likes of Schalk Burger at the World Cup."

- REUTERS