Bristol Bears full-back Noah Heward has been ruled out of action until the New Year after suffering a hamstring injury in training.
The 23-year-old, who made 15 appearances for the club last season, has since undergone “successful surgery”, according to a statement from the Bears.
Rock Steele Barker, who signed from Cornwall Pirates this summer, is also out for up to three months after suffering a foot injury while playing for Dings Crusaders last weekend.
Centre Calavetti Labubu is also expected to miss the start of the new Premier League season with a shoulder injury and is expected to be out until November.
The Fijian player suffered the injury during the pre-season win over the Dragons on September 6.
Bristol begin the new Premiership season away to Newcastle Falcons on Friday night.
However, Steven Ruatua returned from a wrist injury early in the summer and is back in the starting 15, while prop Ellis Zenge is back in the squad after missing the summer tour to New Zealand with a calf injury.
