Bulls flyhalf Handre Pollard will miss the 2016 Super Rugby after rupturing ligaments in his knee at training on Monday.
"Handrรฉ was easing back into training, his first phase of final rehab before being cleared to play and was busy with a passing drill when he injured himself," coach Nollis Maraissaid.
"This is pretty devastating for all of us, as Handrรฉ was a key player for us. We are fortunate to have two very capable flyhalves still in our squad in Tian Schoeman and Francois Brummer. They now get the opportunity to showcase their skills and I am confident that we can still achieve our goals for the season."
Meanwhile forward Lappies Labuschagne will miss the next eight weeks due to an ankle injury.