Connacht have been dealt a major blow with new signing Santiago Cordero suffering a serious knee injury, which could see the Argentina international miss the entire season.
The 29-year-old has sustained what the province describe as "a significant knee injury" in training this week, which they say will sideline him for "a prolonged period".
Cordero, who has won 50 caps for Los Pumas, was a high-profile signing by Pete Wilkins' side this summer, arriving from French club Bordeaux-Begles where he had been since 2019.
The winger only joined up with the Connacht squad on Monday, having missed out on a place in Argentina's World Cup squad.
"Everyone is very disappointed for Santi who made such a positive impression in his first few days with us," head coach Pete Wilkins said.
"In that short period he has fully embraced his new life in the province and has already been taken with the warmth of the welcome he has received.
"His injury is a cruel blow for him personally and we'll do everything as a club to support him and his young family in the weeks and months ahead, while he undergoes his rehab.
"I’m sure the news will also be disappointing for the supporters, but Santi is a resilient character who will be determined to come back even better and stronger."
Last week, the province also confirmed that versatile forward Josh Murphy would be unavailable for the 2023/24 season, with the 28-year-old taking a year out to pursue his medical studies.
Connacht get their URC campaign under way against the Ospreys on Saturday 21 October.
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