Joe Tomane is unlikely to feature in the June Test series, ruled out for up to eight weeks with a knee injury.
Tomane was assessed this afternoon after exiting the Brumbies's 40-14 loss to the Crusaders in the 77th minute after a clash with Matt Todd.
The absence will force him out of rugby for 6-8 weeks, leaving him with the best case scenario of returning in the week of the Wallabies' first Test against England and eight weeks giving him a slim chance of featuring in the final Test in Sydney.
Tomane's injury is a devastating blow for the winger, who leads the Brumbies try-scoring tally this season with six, and was shaping up as one of the leading contenders for a Wallabies wing spot.
Speaking earlier on Tuesday, Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham praised Joe for his impressive season so far and lamented the winger's poor luck.
“He’s been outstanding and you look at his game on the weekend, he was superb in attack and defensively he was up against Nadolo and tried to put a number of shots on him,” he said.
“He bounced off a couple of times but kept coming back at him.
“It was one of his better performances defensively.
“He’s been on fire this year, it’s been his best season by a long way.”
Meanwhile, Brumbies and Wallabies skipper Stephen Moore will likely stay in Canberra in a bid to recover in time for Saturday's clash with the Highlanders.
Moore failed to train on Tuesday, after corking his thigh in the Crusaders loss last Sunday, and is unlikely to be travelling with his teammates when they leave for Invercargill on Wednesday.
The 33-year-old is yet to be ruled out of the pivotal Super Rugby fixture but faces a race against time to be fit for the match.
The Brumbies take on the Highlanders on Saturday night in Invercargill, hoping to stay in touch with current Australian Conference leaders the Rebels.
