South Africa hooker Malcolm Marx to miss remainder of World Cup

South Africa hooker Malcolm Marx will miss the remainder of the Rugby World Cup campaign following an injury.

Marx picked a knee injury during a training session on Wednesday and underwent scans to assess the damage but will now miss the tournament according to a statement released by head coach Jacques Nienaber.

"First and foremost, we are extremely disappointed for Malcolm, and we wish him all the best in his recovery," Nienaber said.

"We have enough cover at hooker with Bongi and Deon in the squad, while Marco has also been training there and has been named on all our team sheets so far as a hooker option."

The absence of Marx leaves Bongi Mbonambi being the only remaining specialist

Marx was amongst the two specialist hooker in the South African squad after Bongi Mbonambi with loose forwards Deon Fourie and Marco van Staden providing cover.

He will be the second player in the South African squad to be hampered by injury with lock Eben Etzebeth is set to be sidelined for at least 10 days due to a shoulder injury and will miss the game against Romania. However, Etzebeth is expected to return for the key game against Ireland on 23rd September.