The NSW Waratahs have confirmed fullback Max Jorgensen has suffered an MCL injury, ruling him out for up to three months.
Jorgensen picked up the injury in the opening minutes of last week's defeat to the Crusaders.
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Waratahs officials confirmed he had suffered a Grade 3 rupture of his MCL along with a partial strain to the ACL.
"Max and Waratah staff are canvassing specialist opinions on the next steps forward."
It will rule him out for the rest of the Super Rugby Pacific, along with next month's U20 World Championship in South Africa.
Jorgensen had also emerged as a Wallabies bolter after being named in Eddie Jones' April training camp, coming off a man-of-the-match performance against Fijian Drua a fortnight ago.
The setback is a major blow for the Waratahs, with the teenager emerging as one of the standout rookies of the 2023 season.
It leaves the club with a major decision to make about who fills in at fullback.
Jorgensen joins Will Harrison (knee) and Kurtley Beale (stood down) on the sidelines, with assistant coach Jason Gilmore conceding before the injury they had used the 18-year-old far more than they would've liked.
“‘Jorgo’s’ probably been playing a bit more footy than what we’d hoped, with Will Harrison going down with a knee and Kurtley (Beale) being unavailable," he said last week.
"We don’t have much depth there at the moment at fullback, so he’s carrying a load for us.”
With Jorgensen out, Ben Donaldson is the most likely option to move back to fullback after the return of Tane Edmed.
Edmed got through 20 minutes unscathed last week off the bench and looked sharp in the build-up to Nephi Leatigaga's late try.
Eastwood outside back Harry Wilson is another option, filling in for Jorgensen after he went off, whilst Mark Nawaqanitawase has filled in there in past seasons.
They will be boosted by the return of flanker Michael Hooper, who will play his final home game for the club against Moana Pasifika.
Centres Izaia Perese (back) and Lalakai Foketi (ankle) are also in contention for selection after missing the trip to New Zealand.
