Exeter’s highly-rated number eight Greg Fisilau will miss the rest of the season after injuring his shoulder.
The England ‘A’ player, who has feartured 25 times for the Chiefs this season, was assessed after Exeter’s club-record 79-17 loss at Gloucester on Sunday.
The 21-year-old, who signed a new three-year contract earlier this year, has been one of the few bright points in what has been Exeter’s worst season since earning promotion to the top flight in 2010.
It also rules out any hopes Fisilau may have had of making England’s summer tour to Argentina, which is taking place while the British and Irish Lions head to Australia.
In the aftermath of their record loss on Sunday, Exeter suspended head coach Rob Hunter and attack coach Ali Hepher, with director of rugby Rob Baxter taking charge of the side.
Fisilau was one of four players injured during the game.
Wales centre Joe Hawkins – who will leave the club in the summer – will miss four weeks with an ankle injury.
Meanwhile, hooker Max Norey and winger Ben Hammersley have been ruled out for the season with shoulder and knee injuries respectively.
