Justin Forwood will be out of action for the rest of the year as a result of a serious knee injury.

Kings team doctor Konrad von Hagen confirmed that Forwood tore his anterior cruciate ligaments in the 47th minute of their game against the Rebels in Port Elizabeth on Saturday and is set to undergo surgery in Pretoria later this week.

'It's really sad news that Justin tore his ACL and will be out for nine months. The next step for him will be surgery. We will then continue to monitor his progress,' said Von Hagen.

Meanwhile, captain Lionel Cronjé sustained a concussion in the same game, but should be ready to play in the Kings' next match against the Sharks on 13 May. Loose forwards Ruaan Lerm and CJ Velleman will be reassessed next week but are expected to join the squad for full contact from next week.

Wing Malcolm Jaer, who sustained a medial collateral ligament strain on tour in Australia, is responding well to treatment and expected to make a comeback in two weeks' time.

Photo: Michael Sheehan/Gallo Images