Ospreys flanker Dan Lydiate has been ruled out of Wales's Six Nations campaign due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The 28-year-old, capped 60 times by the Red Dragons, was stretchered off the field during his national side's 27-13 win over South Africa last weekend.
Lydiate, who was only initially expected to miss the start of the Six Nations, has now been told the full extent of the damage which will instead keep him on the sidelines for the remainder of the campaign.
"Following consultation it has been confirmed that surgery is required, as a result of which he will not play again until next season," an Ospreys statement read.
Lydiate also missed Wales's tour of New Zealand in the summer due to a shoulder problem picked up against England in a Test friendly.