South Africa's director of rugby Rassie Erasmus is recovering in hospital after suffering chemical burns in a "freak accident".
A statement from South Africa Rugby on Saturday confirmed that Erasmus is expected to return to work within the next month, after the incident involving a "powerful detergent product".
The 51-year-old has been a central figure in the Springboks' success on the world stage in recent years, overseeing their World Cup win in 2019 as head coach and then playing a role in the defence of that title last year in France as director of rugby.
"Rassie Erasmus is recovering in hospital following a medical procedure for chemical burns sustained in a freak accident using a powerful detergent product," South Africa Rugby said.
"He is otherwise in good health and expects to return to full-time working within weeks."
The Springboks are not in action until July 6, when they host Ireland in the first match of a two-Test tour.
Erasmus will once again be head coach, after Jacques Nienaber, in charge for the World Cup triumph in 2023, stepped down and made the move to Irish side Leinster.
It is expected that Erasmus will lead South Africa's preparations for the next defence of the Webb Ellis Cup, in Australia in 2027, as the Springboks look to make history.
No side has ever won three consecutive World Cups, but that is the opportunity South Africa have after their triumphs in Japan and France.
Five years ago, the Springboks beat England 32-12 in the final, and they went back-to-back three months ago with a dramatic 12-11 victory over New Zealand.
