South Africa veteran Schalk Burger ruled out of Ireland series

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.