Cheetahs flanker Heinrich Brussow has been ruled out of the remainder of the Super 14 © Getty Images

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Cheetahs flanker Heinrich Brussow has been ruled out of the remainder of the Super 14 season with a knee injury that could sideline him for the rest of the year.

The 23-year-old Springboks international was injured in the closing moments of the Cheetahs' 28-21 victory over the Highlanders in their Super 14 clash in Bloemfontein.

Cheetahs boss Naka Drotske admitted that it was a huge blow to their hopes but believes that there is depth in the squad to cover his absence.

"Its a big blow. Heinrich is irreplacable, he is a once-in-a-lifetime-player, who always gives 150%," he said. "It's very bad for Heinrich, but it's one position in which we have depth with players like Hendro Scholtz and Kabamba Floors able to deputise."

Brussow made his name in a Springbok jersey against the British & Irish Lions in 2009, having also terrorised the tourists in Cheetahs colours during a tour match.

He went on to win the Tri-Nations after picking up the Man of the Match award for outplaying All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw during a 28-19 win in Bloemfontein. He was subsequently named as SA Rugby Young Player of the Year.