Wallabies veteran Matt Giteau has been hit with an injury blow, set for surgery on a troublesome groin next week.
Giteau confirmed the news via Twitter, writing: “Op on Monday.. Not great news but looking forward to finally getting this groin fixed so I can be 100% for @RCTofficiel.”
The 33-year-old has missed the past two matches for Toulon with the groin concern and was initially believed to be ruled out for the next three weeks.
While Giteau hasn’t put any timeline on his recovery, some reports have suggested that he could be out for up to three months.
Toulon coach Bernard Laporte said last week that Giteau had been managing the injury since the side’s Top 14 semi-final in May.
"Apparently it's not a groin strain," he said.
"But when he plays, he suffers after half-time."
Giteau’s Wallabies teammate Quade Cooper has stepped in at 10 the past fortnight and would appear the most likely candidate to stay in the playmaking position.
Toulon takes on Wasps in the second-last round robin match of the European Champions Cup on Monday morning (AEDT).
A loss would likely knock the defending champions out of the tournament.
