Sharks centre Paul Jordaan faces six months on the sidelines after fracturing his hip against the Golden Lions.
Jordaan was taken off in a stretcher in some discomfort after taking a late tackle to the lower back from Jaco Kriel in the sixth minute of Friday's match. He was taken to hospital straight away and Sharks team doctor Alan Kourie has confirmed the initial fears.
Jordaan has undergone surgery and will miss the start of next season's Super Rugby tournament.
It's the latest in a long line of injuries for the Junior Springbok and will likely raise a few questions surrounding his continued participation at the highest level.
In a further blow ahead of the match against Western Province in Cape Town this weekend, hooker Kyle Cooper has been ruled out with an ankle injury.
He is expected to be fit for the play-offs, with the Sharks still in the hunt for a home semi-final.
Photo: Louis Botha/Gallo Images
