Wallabies and Queensland Reds number eight Harry Wilson will miss the start of the Super Rugby Pacific after undergoing minor surgery on his knee.
Wilson went under the knife on Friday to clean up the knee he injuried during the Wallabies' famous win over the Springboks in Johannesburg.
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The decision was a collaborative decision between the Reds and Rugby Australia, with Wilson likely to return soon after their Round Two bye.
"Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson has successfully undergone minor surgery on his right knee," a statement from the Reds said.
"Wilson sustained a knee injury during that Test against the Springboks and was forced off after scoring the second of his two tries.
"Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds this week agreed that a clean-up of the knee would guarantee the best longer-term result for a player of such importance.
"Wilson is expected to be sidelined for approximately six weeks, having undergone surgery in Brisbane on Friday."
Reds coach Les Kiss backed the options he had to replace Wilson ahead of their opener against the NSW Waratahs on February 13.
“It's great news that the surgery has gone well," Kiss said.
"The opportunity now is for our other Reds backrowers to step up and show their wares.
"Joe Brial did so in 2025 with some big performances.
"John Bryant is back with us after his secondment to Benetton Rugby in Treviso gave him the benefit of strong game and training time in Europe in the URC competition before Christmas. That shows the benefit of fostering these partnerships with other clubs.
"Younger backrowers Vaiuta Latu and Tom Robinson made excellent impressions in the Queensland jersey for the first time post-Super Rugby last year when games against Tonga, Japan's Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights and the teams in Super Rugby AUS were underway."
