Embrose Papier has had surgery on an ankle injury and will miss several weeks of action for the Bulls. The 29-year-old SA URC Player of the Year was hurt coming off the bench in last Saturday's 56-20 Champions Cup victory over Stade Français at Loftus.
Coach Johan Ackermann confirmed the news on Thursday ahead of Saturday's URC clash against Ulster at Loftus Versfeld. With Papier unavailable, Paul de Wet retains the No.9 jersey alongside Handré Pollard, with Zak Burger the other scrumhalf option in the match-day 23.
Ackermann has overhauled his forward pack for the Ulster match while keeping his starting backline intact.