Springbok fullback Gelant ruled out of 2021 Lions tour

Springbok fullback Warrick Gelant has been ruled out of competing against the British and Irish Lions next year in South Africa.

Gelant picked up a nasty ACL injury playing for Western Province against the Bulls in last weekend's Currie Cup and it comes just as he was finding the form of his career.

According to The South African, Gelant is likely be out of action for nine months, bringing him beyond the first match of the 2021 Lions tour, which kicks off in July.

The 25-year-old left the Bulls for the Stormers earlier this year. A fleet-footed World Cup winner, Gelant is one of the most exciting outside backs in the country and added firepower to a Stormers in the Super Rugby Unlocked tournament.

His old team, the Vodacom Bulls, showed nerves of steel and massive character to defeat the DHL Western Province 22-20 in their North versus South derby played at DHL Newlands on Saturday evening.

The teams scored three tries apiece as the lead changed hands several times, however, it was the crucial kick by visiting fly-half Chris Smith - to convert a late try by replacement Marco Jansen van Vuren - that clinched victory for the men from Pretoria.

Jake White's team showed enormous courage to emerge as winners of this hard-fought derby, considering they had to play almost the entire second half with 14 men as a result of the red card shown to front ranker Jacques van Rooyen.