South Africa international Schalk Burger has been dealt a six-week setback in his recover from injury by contracting bacterial meningitis.

The 29-year-old suffered the illness following an operation, which aimed to reduce pressure on a nerve that was affecting his calf muscle.

A statement from the player's family said: "Given a successful recovery, he will remain in hospital for the next 14 days. It will be at least another six weeks before he will be fit for playing."

Burger, who was part of South Africa's 2007 World Cup-winning team, has not played since early last year when he suffered a knee injury.