Bismarck du Plessis sidelined with neck injury

Montpellier will miss the services of hooker Bismarck du Plessis for up to two months following a neck injury.

The 34-year-old will join fellow South Africans Francois Steyn, Johan Goosen, Henry Immelman and Jacques du Plessis in the casualty list for the Top 14 side.

Du Plessis will now undergo surgery on a cervical disc herniation that will keep him on the sidelines for between six and eight weeks.

The former South African international joined Montpellier in 2015 after representing Sharks for a decade from 2005. He will now be replaced in Montpellier line-up by either Vincent Guidicelli or Romain Ruffenach.

Du Plessis has also played 79 Tests for South Africa between 2007 and 2015 in which he scored 11 tries.

Montpellier are currently positioned seventh in the Top 14 table after winning and losing four games apiece.