Queensland Reds captain Liam Wright is set for at least 10 weeks on the sideline due to an ankle injury.
The 28-year-old suffered the damage during last Friday's 45-33 trial loss to the NSW Waratahs in Narrabri.
On Monday, the Reds revealed scans had confirmed Wright had suffered a syndesmosis injury to his left foot and would have to undergo surgery.
The news comes as a blow to the Reds ahead of their Super Rugby AU season opener against the Waratahs on February 19.
"Liam's been a good player and been around this club for a while now," utility back Bryce Hegarty said.
"His leadership and just his general rugby ability around the field. He's a very good flanker. He's a big loss for any team.
"While the boys will miss him, we have to move on now and move forward."
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Wright's sidelining will also leave him short of opportunities to push for a Wallabies call-up before the Test series against France in July.
Just who will replace Wright as on-field captain for the Reds is yet to be determined, with experienced Wallabies playmaker James O'Connor sure to be among the candidates.
Others who could be in the running include halfback Tate McDermott and forwards Harry Wilson and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto.
Despite his bad news, Wright turned up to training at Ballymore on Monday, watching his teammates go through their paces.
Hegarty said that commitment to the team is typical of Wright's leadership qualities.
"He's such a great guy and a great leader. He'll continue doing his leading off the field and he'll do a great job of that," Hegarty said.
The Reds play an internal trial this weekend ahead of the Super Rugby AU season start.
