Eben Etzebeth's father has died while the South Africa captain is in New Zealand ahead of this weekend's Rugby Championship fixture.
The towering lock was named captain of the Springboks on Tuesday in the absence of injured Siya Kolisi, with news of his father Harry's death being reported in South Africa the following morning.
South African journalist Hendrik Cronjé said on social media: "Condolences to Eben Etzebeth and his family after his father, Harry, passed away last night [Tuesday]."
Cronjé said the team management will leave it up to Etzebeth to decide whether he still wants to play the match against the All Blacks on Saturday.
Last summer in the Wales summer Test series, Etzebeth earned his 100th cap for the 'Boks on home soil, with Etzebeth reported to have asked to secure the milestone in Cape Town because it was difficult for his dad to travel due to illness and he wanted his dad there for the occasion.
The 31-year-old is currently out in Auckland preparing for the second match of The Rugby Championship, where he was due to return to international action following a shoulder injury sustained while on Sharks duty in April.
This weekend was due to be Etzebeth's 13th time captaining his country in his 111 appearances.
