Brumbies flyhalf Noah Lolesio could miss the rest of the Super Rugby AU season after he suffered a severe hamstring injury.
Lolesio was forced off just half an hour into the Brumbies' round three clash with the Waratahs on Saturday night after injuring the muscle in open play.
Scans early this week confirmed the bad news for Lolesio, whose form had put him right in the frame for Wallabies selection.
An eight-week absence would put him in the mix for the September 19 Super Rugby final and the Brumbies are hopeful that will be the case.
Lolesio was replaced by Bayley Kuenzle in the clash and earned high praise from coach Dan McKellar for his efforts steering the team to a last-gasp win.
Kuenzle was widely tipped to be the starting Brumbies 10 in the preseason before Lolesio was given the first crack at the spot.
Lolesio has started in every game this season and is highly-rated by incoming Wallabies coach Dave Rennie.
Schoolboy prodigy Reesjan Pasitoa is the other flyhalf prospect in the squad but he has had limited minutes in his first year at the Brumbies.
"We're really disappointed for Noah, he had a good start to the year and was really enjoying his footy," McKellar said in a statement.
"We've got a very good medical team here who will make sure Noah gets the best possible treatment and rehabilitation to ensure he gets back out on the field as soon as possible.
"Whilst we are all disappointed for Noah we've got full confidence in Bayley Kuenzle and Reesjan Pasitoa to step in and fill that role."
The Brumbies take on the Force on Saturday July 25 at Leichhardt Oval, kicking off at 7:15pm AEST, LIVE on Foxtel, Foxtel Now and Kayo Sports. Buy tickets here. Buy a Kayo subscription here.
