Quick thinking outside half Cédric Rosalen will miss the start of the Heineken Cup with a knee ligament injury.
The Montauban man tore ligaments in his right knee during last weekend's pre-season friendly with European Challenge Cup hopefuls Brive.
The news will be a major blow to Montaban's as they prepare for their first Heineken Cup campaign.
Former Perpignan and Narbonne star Rosalen was brought into the Montauban squad in the summer and has an impressive scoring record in European rugby.
In his 31 games he has kicked 227 points, 42 of which came from his five appearances for Perpignan last season.
Montauban have the challenge of Heineken Cup holders Munster in Round 1 at Thomand Park before welcoming ASM Clermont Auvergne to their home ground, Stade de Sapiac in Round 2.
Both matches will be shown live, the Munster game will be on Sky Sports while the FR2 cameras will be in attendance for the match with Clermont.