Rhys Priestland will be out of action for six months after suffering a ruptured left achilles tendon during the region’s Heineken Cup game against Exeter last Saturday.
The Wales and Scarlets fly-half underwent surgery this morning to repair the injury which almost certainly ruins his chances of being involved in next summer’s British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.
He suffered the injury in last week’s Heineken Cup clash against Exeter and ha to be stretched off on 46th minutes.
Scarlets Head Coach Simon Easterby, who suffered a similar injury as a player said: “It’s a big blow for Rhys and for our region to lose a player of his quality and influence in our team.
“He was coming through well in the last couple of games of the autumn, put in a strong performance against Australia and was making a real impact in our game against Exeter – so it’s very difficult for him to take; but he’ll get plenty of support from here throughout the injury period.
“I am sure that a player of his experience, intelligence and ability will deal with this very well and after a couple of weeks away to recover from the surgery will be back and can be a very positive influence in our environment.”