The former England international will be sidelined for at least 10 months after damaging the anterior cruciate ligaments in his left knee during Lyon’s 16-16 draw with Toulouse in their Top 14 opener at Matmut Stadium de Gerland at the weekend.

Lyon revealed that the 34-year-old, who joined them from Toulon in 2016, will undergo surgery on the injury on Friday.

Meanwhile, Lyon captain and flanker Juilen Puricelli will also be sidelined for up to eight weeks due to a shoulder injury sustained against Toulouse.