Exeter Chiefs captain Jack Yeandle has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a foot injury.
The 36-year-old hooker sustained the injury against Northampton two weeks ago and needs an operation.
Director of rugby Rob Baxter hopes that intervention now will allow the forward to make an impact next season.
Baxter said, external: “By not playing games now, he’ll start next season in a better place for the amount of games he’s still got left in the tank.
“We’re trying to look at the positives and focus on getting him back, raring to go for pre-season.”
The Chiefs are fourth in The Prem table and face Ulster in the semi-final of the European Challenge Cup on Saturday.
