South African front row duo Gurthro Steenkamp's and Gary Botha's arrivals at French club Toulouse have been held up by visa problems, while veteran New Zealand prop Carl Hoeft is set to leave soon.

Loosehead prop Steenkamp could arrive back in France this weekend after forming part of the Springboks side that lost to Australia in the World Cup quarterfinals ten days ago.

However, hooker Botha, who suffered an ankle injury playing for the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup, is not expected to arrive until the middle of next week.

Forwards coach Yannick Bru confirmed in a press conference ahead of Toulouse's clash with Bordeaux-Begles that Botha will be on the sidelines for at least two weeks.

Hoeft, who joined Toulouse as cover during the World Cup, will not be extending his stay with the French champions.

"I already have my plane ticket for November 13," said the 31-times capped Hoeft, who signed a short-term deal with Toulouse having spent the previous six years with Castres.

The 36-year-old Hoeft played in Toulouse's first seven Top 14 games in the absence of South African Daan Human due to an arm injury, and should also play in the upcoming games against Bordeaux-Begles and Stade Francais before returning home.

AFP