ACT Brumbies back-rower Tuaina Taii Tualima is set for a stint on the sidelines after catching dengue fever.
The incident happened during their trip to Fiji in the opening round, with Tualima making his Brumbies debut during the famous victory.
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The 27-year-old started in the back-row before being replaced with ten minutes to go as they became the first Australian team to win in Fiji.
However, Tualima was a late withdrawal from their defeat against the Western Force, with the Brumbies releasing a statement confirming his illness.
"The ACT Brumbies played their Round 1 fixture against the Fijian Drua in Suva on Saturday 15th February. The team took all preventative measures against mosquito-borne illnesses, however one of our players, Tuaina Taii Tualima, has become ill after catching dengue fever," the statement said.
"The affected player has been diagnosed early and is receiving medical input from the team doctor and an infectious disease specialist."
Last month, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services of Fiji announced today a dengue fever outbreak in the Western Division.
In their press release, they stated that 200 dengue cases have been reported for the Western Division since the beginning of this year.
The Brumbies went down to the Chiefs over the weekend, with Rory Scott filling the void left by Tualima's unfortunate illness at blindside flanker.
Stephen Larkham's side is set to be boosted by the return of Tom Hooper after the forward missed last week's defeat due to a concussion.
Feao Fotuaika and David Feliuai are also expected to be available for Friday's match against the Blues, whilst Noah Lolesio (concussion) is likely back for Round Five.
