Clermont Auvergne full-back Isaia Toeava will likely miss the remainder of the season with a left shoulder injury.
Former All Black Toeava sustained a rotator cuff rupture in the 49-24 European Challenge Cup victory over the Dragons on Saturday.
The 32-year-old – a Rugby World Cup winner with New Zealand in 2011 – will undergo surgery this week and is expected to be out of action for six months, making it unlikely he will return this term.
Clermont lead the way in Top 14 after 11 matches and sit top of Pool 1 in the Challenge Cup with a maximum of 20 points from four matches.
#ASMinfirmerie Rupture de la coiffe des rotateurs et opération pour Toeava qui sera privé de compétition pour environ 6 mois !
https://t.co/Op8Fr2KcQN pic.twitter.com/SG6efVAzcb
— ASM Rugby (@ASMOfficiel) December 17, 2018
Photo Getty Images. Caption: Clermont Auvergne full-back Isaia Toeava