The Bulls have suffered a big blow as loose forward Dewald Potgieter will miss the opening two months of the Super Rugby competition after undergoing surgery on Sunday.

Potgieter suffered multiple cuts to his arm in a freak accident at the weekend and was operated on to repair the damage.

Commenting on the setback, Bulls coach Frans Ludeke said he felt for Potgieter, who just returned from an ankle injury.

"Dewald worked very hard to get back in shape and ready for Super Rugby, so it is a setback to him and to the team."

"He was going to be an important cog in our loose trio combinations, but we are blessed to have some good depth in that position," added coach Ludeke.