Leicester Tigers' utility back Austin Healey has undergone knee surgery following an injury sustained during his side's 20-7 to Munster in the Heineken Cup quarter-final defeat.
The injury which will almost certainly end his season and cap a nightmare year for the 50-times capped England star. Healey was making his first appearance since the turn of the year after recovering from an Achilles injury that ruled him out of the Six Nations.
"He will need time to recover from the operation," said Leicester's director of rugby Dean Richards.
And there is more bad news for the 2001, and 2002 European champions, Will Johnson, the younger brother of England captain Martin, is out until next season after sustaining knee ligament damage in the same game.
But there is better news the sides still remaining in the competition. Toulouse, Munster and Perpignan have no new injuries to report after their Heineken Cup quarter-finals. Leinster Lions expect Reggie Corrigan to begin full contanct training on April 17.