Bulls scrumhalf Fourie du Preez became the second South Africa rugby star in days to be ruled out of rugby indefinitely because of a torn calf muscle on Tuesday.

Du Preez was hurt in the 32-29 win over the Western Force in the Super 14 on Saturday. Team doctor Org Strauss ruled him out of playing at least the Cheetahs this weekend and said the injury was more serious than first thought.

A torn calf muscle can sideline players for at least four weeks, immediately placing du Preez in doubt for this month's playoffs for the contending Bulls. At a national level, the British and Irish Lions arrive at the end of the month for three tests and du Preez was South Africa's No. 1 scrumhalf.

His injury followed Stormers and Springboks fullback Conrad Jantjes breaking his leg in a Super 14 loss to the Waikato Chiefs on Saturday. Jantjes will be out for months.

Meanwhile, Western Force scrumhalf Josh Valentine's citing for a dangerous tackle on du Preez was dismissed at a judicial hearing on Tuesday.

Judicial officer Jannie Lubbe, after viewing video and considering written submissions, found the citing was not merited.

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