Ulster's Robbie Kempson has been ruled out of the World Cup because of an elbow injury.
The South African prop requires surgery that will keep him sidelined for 2-3 months.
Kempson, on loan in the South African league, will have his operation next Tuesday and it is likely he will be out of action for up to 12 weeks.
He returned to South Africa just in time to play Super 12 rugby and qualify as a "home-based" player for selection, having been loaned back to the Springboks by Ulster.
Had he remained in Ireland this year he would have been ineligible as the Springboks do not pick players based overseas.
Kempson, a popular and genial figure off the pitch, remains one of the most competitive and battle-hardened props in world rugby.
Ulster rugby chief executive Michael Reid described the news as a "great shame".
"His operation means that he will return to Ulster at the same time he would have had he been taking part in the World Cup," said Reid.
"We wish him all the best for a speedy recovery and look forward to having him back at Ravenhill, fitter and stronger than ever".
Kempson should be fit in time for the start of the Heineken Cup campaign in December.