Monday 27 February 2017 08:13, UK
Lions centre Howard Mnisi has been ruled out for the rest of the Super Rugby season after he suffered a knee injury in the win over the Cheetahs on Saturday.
The South African, 27, suffered multiple ligament damage and will undergo surgery, the Lions announced.
He fell awkwardly in a tackle and was substituted after 13 minutes of the season opener and was replaced by Harold Vorster, who had a long injury lay-off due to injury.
Mnisi is expected to be sidelined for up to nine months, making it unlikely he will return to the field in 2017.
He was instrumental in helping the Lions to the Super Rugby final last season, leading to a call-up for the South Africa 'A' side in a two-match series against the touring England Saxons.
The Lions defeated the Cheetahs 28-25 in Bloemfontein, South Africa, after a double of tries from Rohan Janse van Rensburg and six penalties from Fred Zeilinga.
