Cardiff Blues and Wales back-rower Shane Lewis-Hughes will be out for up to six months after having surgery on his shoulder.
The abrasive flanker, who impressed while making his Test debut last autumn, last played against Munster a fortnight ago, when he was replaced after the hour mark.
Confirming thew news in a short statement, Cardiff Blues said: "Shane Lewis-Hughes has been ruled out for the remainder of Cardiff Blues’ season following successful shoulder surgery.
"The back-row forward underwent surgery on Monday to stabilise his shoulder and will have a recovery period of five to six months."
It's a bitter blow for the 23-year-old, who will now miss the Cardiff Blues' Guinness PRO14 run-in, the Rainbow Cup and Wales' summer tour, assuming they all take place.
Lewis-Hughes would have been nailed on to go away with Wales this summer but will now have to wait to add to his three caps.
