Leicester Tigers have confirmed that fly-half Owen Williams will be out of action for nine months with a knee injury.
The 23-year-old Welshman has undergone surgery after suffering the problem during his club's victory over Cardiff Blues in the LV= Cup on February 7.
"It's obviously massively disappointing news for Owen and for the Tigers because he has been outstanding for us in his two seasons here," director of rugby Richard Cockerill told Leicester's official website.
"He is a young man with a big future in the game and we look forward to his return when he is fully recovered. He is in good hands with our medical team and he will start his rehab shortly."
Leicester continue their Aviva Premiership campaign on Sunday when they make the trip to London Irish.
