Nakaitaci facing six months out with ruptured ACL

European Champions Cup semi-finalists Clermont Auvergne have been dealt a major blow with confirmation that France wing Noa Nakaitaci ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament in Sunday’s victory over Toulon.

Nakaitaci scored a crucial try as Clermont came on strong in the second half to triumph 29-9 and secure a last-four meeting with Leinster.

However, the Fiji-born 26-year-old was forced off following a freak incident towards the end of the game, in which he hurt his right knee when seemingly attempting to pull out of a tackle on a leaping Bryan Habana.

On Monday, Clermont – who sit second in the Top 14 – confirmed Nakaitaci was now facing six months on the sidelines.

“Scans this morning revealed a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in the right knee,” read a statement on Clermont’s website.

“In the evening, Noa Nakaitaci will meet Doctor van Hille at the Chataigneraie de Beaumont clinic to plan a very probable reconstructive surgery.

“The period of unavailability for such an injury is about six months. His 2016-17 season is over.”

Clermont have already been shorn of another France international for the remainder of the campaign, after Wesley Fofana suffered a ruptured Achilles in a Champions Cup win over Exeter Chiefs in January.