Emirates Lions coach, Ivan van Rooyen confirmed that newly signed Pieter Jansen van Vuren suffered a pectoral muscle injury due to a freak accident on Tuesday during training that will keep him five to six months off the field.
The injury to van Vuuren is catastrophic for the Lions as their only other recognised number five lock, Reinhard Notnagels is also out with a long term injury.
The Emirates Lions will therefore start the game against the Vodacom Bulls on Saturday with two number four locks with Willem Alberts and Ruben Schoeman.
Emirates Lions Head Coach Ivan van Rooyen said "I feel for Pieter. He worked so hard to come back from the knee injury he suffered on tour. We wish him a speedy recovery from this latest setback."