Cardiff and Wales prop Spencer John will be out of action until next year after suffering a serious neck injury in a car crash.
Following surgery on a ruptured disk John must now rest for a minimum of six months before even resuming training.
This latest blow, following surgery for a knee injury just days before the crash, will rule him out of the majority of the Blue and Blacks Heineken Cup and Celtic League campaigns.
"I'm devastated," John told the Western Mail, "It's knocked me for six. I am trying to trying to remain positive but that's hard.
"The knee operation was disappointing because it ruled me out of South Africa. But for this to happen two days after the operation is just unbelievable. Talk about being hit when you are down.
"I had been hoping to make a new start in the new season but now there's no chance."
The Cardiff star was a passenger in a car, driven by teammate Gary Powell, that was hit from behind by another vehicle while stationary at traffic lights.