Matt Toomua will be sidelined by a knee injury for the next six months, after just two matches with his new side, Leicester.
Toomua’s initiation into the Tigers has been short but eventful, with the centre creating a stir on debut against Glasgow, sin binned for a dangerous tackle just 13 minutes in.
The bad news continued for the centre, with this latest injury and leaves the Tigers without their two biggest-name centres, after England international Manu Tuilagi has already been ruled out.
Tigers coach Richard Cockerill said they were confident in their midfield depth, a list that includes fellow Aussie Peter Betham.
"Not having Matt and Manu is clearly disappointing but we have good young players," Cockerill said, according to BBC Sport.
"We know the quality of Matt and Manu. But Manu is making good progress and we will hopefully have him back on the field soon.
"We have some options in the midfield with Matt Smith, Peter Betham and Jack Roberts, and Owen Williams has played there, so we will get on with coaching what we have got."
